What Is General Dentistry?
General dentistry covers the everyday care that keeps your mouth healthy. It includes routine examinations, professional cleanings, X-rays, and the early treatment of problems like cavities and gum inflammation before they progress.
As a general dental practice, we’re your first point of contact for almost any dental concern. If something falls outside what we provide, we’ll tell you honestly and help you find the right care.
Our General and Preventive Services
Dental Exams and Checkups
A thorough examination lets us catch decay, gum disease, and other concerns early. We check your teeth, gums, bite, and soft tissues, and take X-rays when needed to see what isn’t visible on the surface.
Professional Cleanings and Hygiene
Even with good brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar that can’t be removed at home. A professional cleaning removes buildup, polishes your teeth, and leaves your mouth genuinely fresher.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps protect against decay. It’s a quick, straightforward part of a preventive visit and particularly useful for children and patients at higher risk of cavities.
Digital X-Rays
X-rays show what an examination alone can’t, including decay between teeth, problems below the gumline, and the health of the underlying bone.
Oral Cancer Screening
We check the soft tissues of your mouth, tongue, and throat during your regular exam. Early detection makes a meaningful difference, and it takes only a few minutes.
Sport Guards
A custom-fitted mouthguard protects your teeth during sports and fits far better than anything off the shelf.
Dental Care for the Whole Family
We see patients of all ages at our Port Coquitlam clinic, which makes scheduling simpler when you’re managing appointments for more than one person.
Children
A child's first dental visit is usually recommended around their first birthday or when their first tooth appears. Early visits are mostly about building comfort and familiarity, so dental care feels routine rather than intimidating later on.
Teens
The teenage years bring wisdom teeth, orthodontic questions, and sometimes a dip in brushing habits. Regular checkups help keep everything on track through a period of a lot of change.
Adults and Seniors
Adult care focuses on maintaining what's healthy and addressing wear, sensitivity, gum health, and restorations as they come up. We adjust our approach as your needs change over time.
How Often Should You Visit the Dentist?
For most people, a checkup and cleaning every six months works well. Some patients benefit from more frequent visits, particularly those with a history of gum disease, a higher risk of cavities, or certain medical conditions. Others with consistently good oral health may be fine with less frequent appointments.
Rather than applying one schedule to everyone, we’ll recommend an interval that suits your mouth and explain why.
What Happens at a Checkup?
Step 1
We review your medical and dental history, including anything that's changed since your last visit.
Step 2
We examine your teeth, gums, bite, and the soft tissues of your mouth, and take X-rays if they're needed.
Step 3
Your hygienist removes plaque and tartar, then polishes your teeth.
Step 4
We talk through what we found in plain language, answer your questions, and agree on a plan together if any treatment is needed.
Most checkup and cleaning appointments take under an hour.
Preventive Care and Your Coverage
We offer direct billing to most insurance providers, and preventive services like exams and cleanings are among the treatments most commonly covered. Shaughnessy Square Dental Centre is also a participating provider for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, which covers preventive and diagnostic care for eligible patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I see a dentist?
Most people benefit from a checkup and cleaning every six months. If you have gum disease, a higher risk of cavities, or certain health conditions, we may recommend visiting more often.
When should my child first see a dentist?
Around their first birthday, or when their first tooth appears. Early visits help children get comfortable with the dental office before any treatment is ever needed.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Modern dental X-rays use a very low dose of radiation, and we only take them when there’s a clear reason. They let us see decay and other problems that aren’t visible during an examination.
Does a dental cleaning hurt?
Most people find cleanings comfortable. If your gums are inflamed you may notice some sensitivity, so let us know and we’ll adjust our approach.
Are checkups and cleanings covered by insurance?
Preventive care is among the most commonly covered dental services. We offer direct billing to most providers and can check your coverage before your appointment.
Do you see children and seniors?
Yes. We provide general and preventive care for patients of all ages, from a child’s first visit through to care in later life.
Book Your Checkup in Port Coquitlam
Whether it’s been six months or several years since your last visit, we’d be glad to see you. Request an appointment online or call us, Monday through Saturday.