Dental Exams in North York
A dental exam is a careful look at your whole mouth, not just your teeth. It helps your dentist catch small problems while they are still simple to treat.
A dental exam in North York at Emerald Forest Dental is a check of your teeth, gums, bite, jaw and the soft tissues of your mouth. Your dentist looks for cavities, cracks, worn fillings and early signs of gum disease, then explains what they see in plain words. Most people have an exam once or twice a year.
- Typical time
- About 20–30 minutes; longer for a first visit
- Who it's for
- Anyone, from young children to seniors
- Coverage
- Usually covered by dental insurance; plans set how often a recall exam is allowed
- Recovery
- None
About dental exams
There are two main kinds of exams. A complete exam is done at your first visit or after a long gap. It records every tooth, existing filling and crown, your gum measurements and your medical history, so your dentist has a full picture to compare against later. A recall exam is the shorter check done at regular visits, focused on what has changed since last time.
Your dentist checks each tooth for decay, chips and cracks, and looks at older fillings and crowns to see if their edges are still sealed. They also feel your jaw joints and the muscles around them, look at how your teeth meet when you bite, and check for signs of grinding. The tongue, cheeks, lips, palate and throat are looked at as well, since changes there can be easy to miss on your own.
Some problems cannot be seen with the eye alone, such as decay between teeth or under old fillings. If it has been a while since your last X-rays, your dentist may suggest a few images to complete the picture. At the end, your dentist goes over what they found, what is fine for now and what may need treatment, and answers your questions before anything is planned.
When to book an exam
- It has been a year or more since you saw a dentist
- You are new to the area and need a family dentist
- A tooth feels different when you bite or chew
- You notice a sore, lump or patch in your mouth that has not healed
- You want a second look before starting major dental work
Benefits
- Finds cavities and cracks while they are small
- Tracks changes in your gums and dental work over time
- Includes a check of your mouth's soft tissues
- Gives you a clear, written plan before any treatment
What to expect
- Medical historyWe ask about your health, medicines and any concerns you want us to look at.
- Teeth and fillingsYour dentist checks every tooth, along with existing fillings, crowns and other dental work.
- Gums, jaw and biteYour gums, jaw joints and the way your teeth fit together are checked.
- Soft tissue checkYour tongue, cheeks, lips and throat are looked at for any unusual changes.
- Talk it throughYour dentist explains the findings and, if needed, the options and next steps.
Cost and coverage
The fee for an exam depends on its type. A complete first-visit exam takes longer than a routine recall check, and X-rays, if needed, are separate. Dental offices commonly use the ODA suggested fee guide, and most insurance plans cover exams at set intervals, such as once every nine or twelve months. We can look up your plan's limits with you. If you have Canadian Dental Care Plan coverage, ask our team whether it can be used here. LendCare payment plans are available for any treatment that follows.
Our promise: we confirm your coverage and explain the cost before treatment.
Your dental team
Dr. Hamed Jannati, DDS
General Dentist
Dr. Ye Zhang, DDS
General Dentist
Dr. Kasra Badii, DDS
General Dentist
Treatment is provided by our dentists. Dr. Ardeshir Ranjbari is a registered specialist in periodontics; our other dentists are general dentists. Some complex cases may be referred to a specialist.
Dental Exams FAQ
How often do I need a dental exam?
Many adults have a recall exam once or twice a year. Your dentist may suggest a different interval based on your history of cavities, gum health and general health. Children are often seen more often because their mouths change quickly.
What happens at my first visit?
Your first visit usually includes a complete exam, a review of your medical history and any X-rays your dentist needs. Bring a list of your medicines and your insurance details. A cleaning may be booked the same day or at a later visit.
Will I need X-rays at every exam?
No. X-rays are taken based on your needs, not on a fixed schedule for everyone. Your dentist considers your age, your risk of cavities and how long it has been since your last images.
Can I bring my old X-rays from another dentist?
Yes. Ask your previous office to send recent X-rays to us before your visit. This can help avoid taking new images if the old ones are recent and clear.
What if my dentist finds a problem?
Your dentist will show you what they found, explain your options and tell you how soon it should be treated. You can take time to decide, and we can give you an estimate to send to your insurance first.
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Dental Exams near you
We see patients from across North York and nearby areas, including North York, Don Mills, Parkway Forest, Henry Farm, Willowdale, Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham.
This page is general information and is not a substitute for an exam. Your dentist will recommend what's right for you. Reviewed by: Dr. Hamed Jannati, DDS. Last updated 2026-10-26.
Book dental exams in North York
New patients welcome. We'll confirm your coverage before treatment.