About Oral Exams and X-Rays
An oral exam is a complete check of your teeth, gums, bite, jaw and soft tissues, and it is the foundation of every good dental care plan. Paired with targeted digital X-rays when needed, it lets your dentist see what is happening both above and below the surface, including areas you cannot see in the mirror.
At Rundlehorn Smiles Dental in NE Calgary, we treat every dental checkup as a conversation, not a lecture. We walk through every finding with you before anything is planned, so you understand what we see, what it means and what your options are.
Whether you are overdue for a routine checkup, have just moved and need a new dental home, or simply want a clear picture of your oral health, an exam is the right place to start.
Benefits of Oral Exams and X-Rays
- Early problem detection: Identify dental issues such as cavities, gum disease or bone loss before symptoms appear.
- Personalized treatment plans: A detailed exam lets your dentist tailor care specifically to your needs.
- Preventive care: Regular exams and X-rays help maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent costly procedures later.
- Peace of mind: Knowing your oral health status reduces anxiety and builds confidence in your smile.
What Is Included in Your Oral Exam
- A review of your dental and medical history, and a conversation about your goals
- A check of every tooth for cavities, cracks and wear
- A gum health check for inflammation, bleeding and early signs of gum disease
- An assessment of your bite and jaw joints
- A check of your tongue, cheeks, throat and other soft tissues for anything unusual, as part of our oral cancer screening
- Low-dose digital X-rays, taken when needed
- A clear explanation of every finding, in plain language
- A written treatment plan with an itemised estimate if any care is recommended
About Low-Dose Digital X-Rays
Some problems cannot be seen with the eye alone. Digital X-rays show us cavities between teeth, bone levels around your teeth, infections beneath the gumline, impacted teeth and the condition of older fillings and crowns.
We use low-dose digital X-rays, which use less radiation than traditional film, and we take them only when they are needed to make a safe and accurate diagnosis. The images appear instantly on screen, so we can show you exactly what we are looking at and explain it as we go.
When to Book a Dental Exam
- You are overdue for a routine checkup, which means more than six months since your last visit
- You have moved and need a new dental home
- You are noticing discomfort, sensitivity or a change in your bite
- Your gums bleed when you brush or floss, or you have bad breath that does not go away
- You want baseline X-rays before cosmetic or orthodontic work
What to Expect at Your Visit
- Book online or call us. New patient forms are emailed after booking so you can fill them out ahead of time.
- We talk first. We review your dental history, your health and what you would like from your visit.
- Comprehensive exam. We check your teeth, gums, bite and soft tissues and take digital X-rays if they are needed.
- Clear walkthrough. We explain every finding with you before anything is planned.
- Written plan. If care is recommended, you leave with a written treatment plan and an itemised estimate, so there are no surprises.
Plan for about 60 minutes for a first appointment.
Why Choose Rundlehorn Smiles Dental for Your Dental Exam
- Four general dentists who explain the why before the what
- Low-dose digital X-rays and modern imaging
- Open seven days a week: Monday to Saturday 8 AM to 8 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM
- New patients accepted every day, for adults and children
- No-pressure, written treatment plans with itemised billing
- A calm pace and sedation options for anxious patients
- Participating CDCP provider with direct billing to most major insurers
- Free on-site parking
Related Treatments
- Dental Cleanings: Remove plaque and tartar that brushing cannot reach and keep your gums healthy.
- Oral Cancer Screening: A quick, painless check for early warning signs in your mouth and throat.
- Dental Fillings: Repair cavities with natural-looking, tooth-coloured fillings.
- Periodontal (Gum) Care: Treat and prevent gum disease if your exam finds early signs.
Cost of Oral Exams and X-Rays in NE Calgary
The cost of an oral exam depends on the type of visit, such as a new patient exam or a routine checkup, and on which X-rays you need. If any treatment is recommended, we give you a written, itemised estimate before it begins.
We direct bill most major insurers, including Alberta Blue Cross, Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield Canada, Desjardins and iA Financial Group. Exams and X-rays are usually covered at least in part by dental insurance, and we are a participating provider for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, which covers exams and X-rays for eligible patients. New patients also receive a $50 gift card with a new patient exam and hygiene visit.
Free consultations apply to dental implants, Invisalign and wisdom teeth removal. A regular oral exam is billed at standard exam rates. See our payment options, or call 403-300-2233 for a personalized quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dental checkup and what happens during one?
A dental checkup is a routine visit where your dentist examines your teeth, gums, bite and soft tissues, takes X-rays when needed and explains what they find. At Rundlehorn Smiles Dental we review your dental history and goals, check every area of your mouth and walk through the findings with you before planning any treatment.
How often should I get an oral exam and X-rays?
Most patients benefit from an exam about every six months. X-rays are usually taken less often and only when needed. Your dentist may recommend a different schedule based on your oral health, age and risk of cavities or gum disease.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Yes. Dental X-rays use very low levels of radiation and are considered safe when taken under professional care. Digital X-rays use less radiation than traditional film, and we only take the images your dentist needs to make an accurate diagnosis.
What can a dental exam detect?
Exams and X-rays can find cavities, gum disease, bone loss, infections, cracked or impacted teeth and early signs of oral cancer, often before you feel any symptoms. Catching these problems early usually means simpler and less costly treatment.
How much does a dental exam cost in Calgary, and is it covered?
The cost depends on the type of exam and the X-rays you need, and you receive a written estimate before any treatment. Exams are usually covered in part by dental insurance, and eligible patients can use the Canadian Dental Care Plan for exams and X-rays. Call 403-300-2233 and we will verify your coverage before your visit.
Book Your Oral Exam
We're accepting new patients every day and hold time for urgent cases. Monday to Saturday 8 AM to 8 PM, Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM.