Step 01
A conversation first
We review your dental and medical history, medications, recent changes and any symptoms or goals you want to discuss.
Winnipeg North Dental Family Dentistry
Check-ups & Cleanings
Preventive visits that protect your smile and catch small concerns early.
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Preventive dentistry
A cleaner smile—and a clearer picture of your oral health.
A professional dental cleaning removes plaque and hardened tartar from areas your toothbrush cannot fully reach. A dental check-up gives your dentist an opportunity to examine your teeth, gums, bite and existing dental work, then explain anything that may need attention.
At Winnipeg North Dental, these visits are planned around you. We take time to understand what has changed, answer your questions and make practical recommendations without rushing the conversation.
Preventive care
Comfortable, thorough and easy to understand.
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Plaque & tartar removal
Professional instruments clean buildup that brushing cannot remove.
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Teeth & gum assessment
We look for changes in your teeth, gums and supporting tissues.
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Personalized home care
Advice is based on your mouth, routine and areas that are hard to reach.
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A plan that makes sense
You leave knowing what we found and what, if anything, comes next.
Two parts of preventive care
A check-up and a cleaning do different jobs.
They are often scheduled together, but they are not the same treatment. Understanding the difference helps you know what is happening during your appointment and why each step matters.
Dental check-up
Professional cleaning
Main purpose
Dental check-upAssess your oral health and identify changes or concerns.
Professional cleaningRemove plaque, tartar and surface stain while supporting gum health.
Usually includes
Dental check-upA review of your history, examination of teeth and gums, and appropriate diagnostic records.
Professional cleaningGum assessment, scaling, polishing and personalized oral-hygiene guidance.
Provided by
Dental check-upYour dentist performs the examination and discusses findings with you.
Professional cleaningA dental hygienist usually completes the cleaning and preventive guidance.
The result
Dental check-upA clear understanding of what is healthy, what should be monitored and whether care is recommended.
Professional cleaningCleaner tooth surfaces and a home-care plan focused on the areas that need your attention.
Your appointment
What happens during a routine visit?
The details vary with your age, oral health and time since your last appointment. We explain each part before we begin and keep you informed throughout the visit.
Step 02
A careful assessment
Your teeth, gums, bite, soft tissues and existing dental work are examined. X-rays are recommended only when they are clinically appropriate.
Step 03
Professional cleaning
Plaque and hardened tartar are removed with suitable instruments. Your teeth may be polished, and fluoride may be discussed based on your needs.
Step 04
Clear next steps
We review what we found, answer questions and recommend a recall schedule or treatment plan that reflects your oral health.
Care without judgment
It has been a while? You are still welcome here.
People postpone dental visits for many reasons: anxiety, cost, family responsibilities, health changes or a difficult past experience. You do not need to apologize or “get your mouth ready” before booking.
Tell us if your teeth are sensitive, your gums feel tender, you have a strong gag reflex or you are nervous about treatment. That information helps us adjust our approach, explain what to expect and agree on a pause signal before we start.
Our goal is to understand where your oral health is today and help you move forward one manageable step at a time.
Please tell us before we begin
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Dental anxiety
Share what makes visits difficult and what has helped you feel comfortable in the past.
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Tooth sensitivity
Let us know which teeth or areas react to cold, touch, pressure or certain foods.
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Health or medication changes
Current information helps us plan care safely and understand changes such as dry mouth.
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A specific concern
Bleeding gums, bad breath, a rough edge, food trapping or discomfort are all worth mentioning.
Your recall schedule
How often should teeth be checked and cleaned?
There is no single schedule that is right for everyone. Many patients attend around every six months, but your dentist and hygienist may recommend a different interval based on your current health and how quickly conditions can change.
Your examination schedule and cleaning schedule may also be different. We base recommendations on clinical need and explain how benefit-plan limits may relate to the care being discussed.
You may benefit from more frequent care if you have:
✓Active gum disease
✓Frequent cavities
✓Heavy tartar buildup
✓Dry mouth
✓Braces or complex dental work
✓Diabetes or relevant health changes
✓Tobacco use
✓Difficulty cleaning certain areas
Do not wait for your recall
Book sooner when something feels different.
A routine visit is not a substitute for timely assessment of pain, swelling or another new concern.
Bleeding or swollen gums
Especially when bleeding is frequent or has recently increased.
New sensitivity or pain
Discomfort with temperature, biting or pressure should be assessed.
A broken tooth or filling
Even a painless rough edge can worsen or collect plaque and food.
A sore that is not healing
Persistent changes in the lips, tongue, cheeks or gums deserve attention.
Dental cleaning FAQs
Questions are always welcome.
Here are straightforward answers to questions patients often ask before a check-up and cleaning.
Will a dental cleaning hurt?+
Many routine cleanings feel like pressure, vibration, water and scraping rather than pain. Tender gums, exposed roots or heavy buildup can increase sensitivity. Tell your hygienist what you feel so the approach can be adjusted and comfort options can be discussed.
How long does a check-up and cleaning take?+
Appointment length depends on your oral health, the amount of buildup, whether X-rays are needed and how long it has been since your last visit. Some patients can complete everything in one appointment, while others benefit from additional hygiene time.
Can I have a cleaning if my gums bleed?+
Yes. Bleeding can be a sign of gum inflammation and is one reason an assessment is valuable. Your hygienist will evaluate the gums, explain what the findings mean and recommend the type of cleaning appropriate for you.
Are dental X-rays required at every visit?+
No. X-rays are recommended according to your age, history, symptoms, cavity risk and the information needed for diagnosis. If recent suitable images exist at another clinic, ask our team whether they can be transferred.
What is the difference between a routine cleaning and deep cleaning?+
A routine cleaning focuses on deposits around the visible tooth surfaces and gumline. Scaling and root planing is used to manage gum disease and addresses deeper deposits on affected root surfaces. An assessment is needed to determine which care is appropriate.
Do you welcome new patients for cleanings?+
Yes. We welcome children, adults and seniors. A new-patient visit generally includes time to review your history and assess your oral health so the right type and length of hygiene appointment can be planned.