Comprehensive dental exam at Lambton Dental
A comprehensive dental exam in Toronto should give you a complete, unhurried picture of your mouth, not just a quick look at your teeth. At Lambton Dental, the dentist assesses your teeth, gums, bite, jaw joints and soft tissues, orders digital X-rays only where they add information, and then explains everything in plain language.
What is a comprehensive dental exam at Lambton Dental?
A comprehensive dental exam is the most detailed assessment we offer. Rather than focusing on a single tooth or concern, the dentist looks at your whole mouth as a system. That means checking each tooth for decay, cracks and worn or failing fillings, measuring the health of your gums and the bone that supports your teeth, evaluating how your upper and lower teeth meet, and feeling the jaw joints and muscles for tenderness or clicking. The dentist also examines the soft tissues of the mouth, including the tongue, cheeks, palate and throat.
Digital X-rays are used when they are clinically indicated, since they show what cannot be seen directly, such as decay between teeth or changes in the bone. Together, these findings become a baseline that we compare against at future visits, so small changes are noticed early.
When a comprehensive exam makes sense for you
A full exam is typically recommended when:
- You are joining Lambton Dental as a new patient and we need a complete record of your current oral health to plan from.
- It has been several years since your last thorough exam, or your dental history is unclear because you have moved between practices.
- You have noticed changes, such as gum bleeding, tooth sensitivity, jaw discomfort, a loose tooth or a sore that has not healed.
- You are considering restorative or cosmetic work and want the dentist to confirm that your teeth and gums are healthy enough to proceed.
- Several years have passed since your baseline, and the dentist suggests refreshing it rather than relying on a shorter recall checkup.
If you have a toothache or swelling that needs attention today, please ask about a same-day emergency appointment rather than waiting for a full assessment.
What to expect during your comprehensive exam
Health and dental history
The dentist reviews your medical conditions, medications, allergies and past dental treatment, because many of these affect what we look for and how we plan care.
Tooth-by-tooth assessment
Each tooth is charted, noting existing fillings and crowns, signs of decay, cracks, wear or mobility, so we have an accurate record to compare against later.
Gum and bone evaluation
Using a small measuring probe, the dentist or hygienist records the depth of the space between your gums and teeth and checks for bleeding, recession and plaque or tartar buildup.
Bite, jaw joints and soft tissues
We assess how your teeth come together, feel the jaw joints and muscles, and examine your tongue, cheeks, palate, lips and throat for anything unusual.
Digital X-rays where indicated
Images are taken only when they add information the dentist cannot get by looking, and they appear on screen right away so we can review them with you.
Findings and plan
The dentist explains what was found, answers your questions and, if any treatment is recommended, outlines the options and a sensible order for doing things.
Patients who feel anxious about a long appointment can ask about our sedation options, which include nitrous oxide, oral sedation and IV sedation. These are available for anxious patients; the dentist reviews your health history first.
What happens after the exam
Once the exam is complete, the dentist sits down with you to go through the results. Where it helps, we show you your X-rays or point out areas in a mirror so you can see what we are describing. Healthy findings are noted just as carefully as problems, because they become part of your record for future comparison.
If treatment is recommended, you receive a written plan that lists each procedure, the tooth or area involved and a suggested sequence, with anything urgent placed first. Elective items can be scheduled when it suits you. Where you have insurance, we prepare an estimate showing the expected portion for you, and for larger treatment we can send a pre-determination to your carrier before anything begins. Most patients then move into a routine recall schedule, with the interval set by the dentist based on your needs.
Cost, insurance, and CDCP / IFHP coverage
The fee for a comprehensive exam depends on what is involved, including whether X-rays are needed and how many, and whether a cleaning is done at the same visit. You receive a written estimate before any treatment begins, and the exam itself is a diagnostic visit, so nothing further is booked without your agreement.
We accept all major Canadian dental insurance carriers and direct-bill wherever your plan allows, so you pay only your portion at the visit. Lambton Dental is also a provider for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP); coverage under these programs depends on your eligibility and the services provided, and we will confirm what applies to you before your appointment.
New adult patients may prefer to begin with the $99 new patient cleaning, which brings together a cleaning, exam and any necessary X-rays on the first visit. A treatment plan and quote, if required, are provided separately. Our payment options page explains how billing works for patients without insurance.
For larger treatment plans, monthly payment plans through a third-party financing partner are available on approved credit — ask at your consultation or see our payment options.
Why patients choose Lambton Dental for a comprehensive exam
- The exam covers teeth, gums, bite, jaw joints and soft tissues, so nothing is looked at in isolation.
- Digital X-rays are taken only when clinically indicated and use lower radiation than traditional film.
- Findings are explained in plain language, with your images on screen, before any decisions are made.
- We direct-bill CDCP, IFHP and major insurance carriers wherever the plan allows.
- Evening and weekend appointments make it easier to fit a longer visit around work or school.
- Our team serves patients in English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Ukrainian, Mandarin and Cantonese.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
How is a comprehensive exam different from a regular checkup?
A comprehensive exam is a full baseline assessment of your whole mouth, including charting every tooth, measuring your gums, checking your bite and jaw joints and examining the soft tissues. A recall checkup is shorter and builds on that baseline, focusing on changes since your last visit. The dentist will let you know which is appropriate for you.
How long should I set aside for the appointment?
Most comprehensive exams take about an hour, and longer if X-rays and a cleaning are done at the same visit. We deliberately book enough time so the dentist can examine carefully and still have a proper conversation with you about what was found. If you have a tight schedule, let us know when booking and we will plan accordingly.
Will I need X-rays?
Not always. Digital X-rays are taken only when they are clinically indicated, for example to check between teeth, under existing fillings or in the bone around the roots. If you have recent images from another office, we can request them so imaging is not repeated. Please tell us if you are pregnant or may be, so we can plan appropriately.
Does the exam check for signs of gum disease?
Yes. Measuring the space between the gums and teeth, noting any bleeding and looking at bone levels on X-rays are part of the assessment. If the findings suggest gum disease, the dentist will explain the stage and discuss options, which may include a deep cleaning or periodontal treatment, before anything is scheduled.
Can I have my teeth cleaned at the same visit?
Often, yes. Many patients combine the exam with a hygiene cleaning, and new adult patients can choose the $99 new patient cleaning, which brings the cleaning, exam and necessary X-rays together. If the exam shows your gums need a deeper approach, or the appointment runs long, we will explain the options and book the cleaning separately.
What if the exam finds something that needs treatment?
The dentist explains what was found and why it matters, then outlines your options with a suggested order, so urgent items come first. You receive a written plan and estimate, and where you have insurance we can send a pre-determination to your carrier. Nothing is booked until you have had time to ask questions and decide.
Do you accept CDCP and IFHP for comprehensive exams?
Yes. Lambton Dental is a participating provider for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, billed through Sun Life, and the Interim Federal Health Program, billed through Medavie Blue Cross. Coverage depends on your eligibility and the services you receive, and some services may have a co-payment. We will confirm what applies before your appointment.
Book your comprehensive dental exam
New adult patients can begin with our $99 new patient cleaning, which brings together a cleaning, exam and any necessary X-rays on the first visit. A treatment plan and quote, if needed, are provided separately.
CDCP welcome
We welcome patients covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan and can help you understand what's covered.
Learn about CDCP →IFHP welcome
We are registered to treat patients under the Interim Federal Health Program and bill Medavie Blue Cross directly.
Learn about IFHP →Direct billing
We bill all major Canadian dental insurance carriers directly, so you pay only what your plan does not cover.
How direct billing works →