Preventive Dentistry in Thunder Bay, ON

Dental Checkups & Cleanings in Thunder Bay, ON

A checkup and cleaning is the easiest way to catch small problems early and keep plaque and tartar from building up. Redwood Dental Centre keeps these visits straightforward, whether it’s been 6 months or 6 years since your last one.

What Is a Checkup and Cleaning?

A dental checkup and cleaning is a routine visit where Dr. Ameen examines your teeth and gums, and a hygienist removes the plaque and tartar that brushing at home can’t reach. It’s one appointment that covers both an exam and a cleaning. During the exam, Dr. Ameen checks for cavities, looks at your gums, and reviews any X-rays if they’re needed. The cleaning removes buildup from your teeth and polishes the surface. Both parts usually happen in the same visit.

Why Regular Checkups Matter

Regular checkups and cleanings do more than keep your teeth polished. Here’s what they help with.

Catching Small Problems Early

A cavity found at a checkup is usually simpler to treat than one that’s had time to grow.

Removing What Brushing Misses

Plaque hardens into tartar over time, and a toothbrush alone can’t remove it. A professional cleaning can.

Keeping Track of Changes

Seeing the same dentist regularly makes it easier to notice small changes in your teeth and gums over time.

What Happens During Your Visit

Here’s what a typical checkup and cleaning looks like from start to finish.

Exam

Dr. Ameen checks your teeth, gums, and jaw, and reviews X-rays if they’re needed for your visit.

Cleaning and Polish

The hygienist removes plaque and tartar from areas a toothbrush can’t easily reach, then polishes your teeth.

Gum Check

Your gums are checked for early signs of irritation or other changes worth watching.

Plain Language Recap

Before you leave, Dr. Ameen goes over what he found and what, if anything, to keep an eye on.

How Often Should You Come In?

Patients with gum disease may benefit from visits every 3 to 4 months
A history of frequent cavities can mean more regular monitoring makes sense
Certain health conditions, like diabetes, can affect how often you should come in
Children in active growth phases often benefit from closer monitoring

Is This Right for You?

A checkup and cleaning fits nearly every patient, but here’s what’s worth knowing before you book.

Every Age Welcome

We see patients from young children through seniors for routine checkups and cleanings.

New Patients Welcome

You don’t need a referral for a general checkup. New patients can call directly to get started.

General Dentist Providing Care

All care is provided by Dr. Ahmed Ameen Al-Obaidi (Dr. Ameen), a General Dentist, with over 20 years of experience in general dentistry.

Understanding Cost and Insurance

Billing for a checkup and cleaning is straightforward. Any fee quoted to you covers the full visit, including the exam, cleaning, and any lab costs tied to your treatment, and it applies the same way regardless of your insurance coverage. Our front desk reviews your specific insurance benefits before your appointment so you know what is covered ahead of time.

Insurance Coordination

We work with most insurance plans and check your coverage before your visit so there are no surprises at checkout.

Transparent Billing

Every fee is quoted upfront and applies equally to all patients, whether or not you have insurance.

Paying Out of Pocket

If you do not have insurance, our front desk can walk you through the cost of your visit before you come in.

Checkup & Cleaning FAQs

Most patients do well with a visit every 6 months, though some situations call for more frequent visits. Gum disease or a history of frequent cavities can mean visits every 3 to 4 months make more sense. Dr. Ameen will recommend a schedule based on what he sees at your first visit.

How often should I get a checkup and cleaning?

Does a cleaning hurt?

For most patients, it’s comfortable. Mild sensitivity is possible if it’s been a while since your last visit. Let us know if anything feels uncomfortable during your appointment and we can adjust.

Do you take X-rays at every visit?

No, only when there’s a clinical reason to, not on a fixed schedule. Dr. Ameen will explain why an X-ray is recommended if one is needed for your visit.

Will my insurance cover a routine checkup?

Most plans cover checkups and cleanings at least partially. We confirm your specific coverage before your visit so you know what to expect on the bill.

It's been years since my last visit. Is that a problem?

No. We start from where things stand now and go from there. Dr. Ameen will do an honest assessment at your first visit, without judgment about how long it’s been.

Ready for a healthier smile?

New patients welcome. Direct billing to most insurance plans.

Redwood Dental has been serving families across Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario for over two decades.