Most people book a dental appointment when something starts to hurt. By that point, a small problem has often had months to grow into a bigger one. Regular checkups are the simplest way to stay ahead of that curve, and they take far less time than treating a cavity, an infection, or advanced gum disease.
At Columbia Square Dental in New Westminster, we recommend a visit every six months for most patients. Here is what those visits actually accomplish.
Small problems are caught while they are still small
Tooth decay does not announce itself. In its earliest stages there is no pain, no sensitivity, and nothing visible in the mirror. During an oral exam, your dentist can spot early demineralization or a hairline crack long before you feel anything, and treatment at that stage is usually quick and straightforward.
The same is true of gum disease. Early gingivitis is reversible with a professional cleaning and better home care. Left alone for a few years, it can progress to periodontitis, which damages the bone supporting your teeth and becomes much harder to manage.
Professional cleanings reach what brushing cannot
Even with excellent brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar in places a toothbrush simply cannot reach. Tartar cannot be removed at home. During a dental hygiene appointment, our hygienists use specialized tools to clear it from below the gumline and between teeth, which lowers your risk of decay and inflammation between visits.
Most patients also appreciate the cosmetic side of a cleaning: less staining from coffee, tea, and red wine, and noticeably fresher breath.
Your dentist screens for more than cavities
A routine exam also includes a check for signs of oral cancer, jaw joint discomfort, worn enamel from grinding, and problems with existing fillings or crowns. Your mouth can offer early clues about conditions elsewhere in the body, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Noticing these signals early gives you the option to follow up with your family doctor.
If clenching or grinding is part of the picture, there are practical solutions. Ask our team about TMD/TMJ devices and night appliances at your next visit.
Preventive care costs less than restorative care
This is the part patients tend to appreciate most. A checkup and cleaning is a modest, predictable expense. A root canal, crown, or extraction followed by an implant is not. Preventive dentistry is one of the few areas of health care where the more affordable option is also the better one.
If you have dental insurance, preventive visits are typically covered at a high percentage, and most plans reset annually. Unused coverage does not carry forward. We also help patients understand their coverage under the Canadian Dental Care Plan, and patient financing is available if you are planning larger treatment.
Students, note that we are part of the Student Care Dental Network, which can reduce your cost on eligible services.
If dental visits make you anxious
You are not alone in this, and it is worth saying out loud rather than postponing care for another year. Our team is happy to walk you through what to expect before anything begins, and we offer sedation dentistry options for patients who find appointments stressful. Putting people at ease from the moment they walk in is something we take seriously.
Between visits: the basics still do the heavy lifting
- Brush twice daily for two full minutes with a fluoride toothpaste
- Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or an interdental brush
- Replace your toothbrush every three months, or sooner if the bristles splay
- Limit frequent snacking and sipping on sugary or acidic drinks
- Drink water throughout the day, especially after meals
None of this is complicated. Consistency is what makes it work.
When to call us sooner
Do not wait for your next scheduled visit if you notice:
- Pain or sensitivity that lasts more than a few days
- Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
- A chipped, cracked, or loose tooth
- Swelling in the face or jaw
- A sore or patch in your mouth that has not healed in two weeks
- Persistent bad breath or a change in taste
Swelling, a knocked out tooth, or severe pain should be treated as urgent. We provide emergency dentistry and are available for after hours dental emergencies.
Book your next visit in New Westminster
Whether you are due for a cleaning or it has been a few years since your last appointment, we are glad to see you. There is no lecture waiting, just a thorough exam and a plan that fits your situation.
We are open six days a week with extended evening hours and Saturday appointments, located at 1015 Columbia Street #111 in the Columbia Square Plaza, a short walk from the New Westminster SkyTrain Station with ample parking on site.
Call (604) 529-9393 or contact us online to book your checkup. We are accepting new patients.
