Dental Exams: The First Step Towards Good Oral Health
Even if you’re conscientious about brushing and flossing, you can still benefit from regular dental exams and cleanings.
Our dentists provide practical preventive techniques for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. By combining our caring approach with modern technology, we aim to deliver a compassionate and comprehensive dental experience.
Symmetry Dental is here to support the balance between your oral and overall health. Start today by booking an appointment!
When Should You Have a Dental Exam?


Symmetry Dental considers dental exams to be a vital part of your overall health care routine.
Because of this, we recommend having at least one dental exam every 6 months, as recommended by the Canadian Dental Association. However, we may suggest more frequent exams to monitor developing issues or to help you follow a prescribed treatment plan.
Regular dental exams and cleanings also help remove plaque and tartar, which can lead to tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontitis.


What to Expect from the Exam
Dental exams take a detailed look at your oral health by examining your teeth, gums, tongue, and cheeks. When you come in for your exam, our team will be happy to discuss any issues you may be experiencing and confirm your previous dental history.
We will follow several routine steps during your dental exam, including:
Diagnostic X-Rays
Dental x-ray exams, also known as radiographs, can help our dentists detect issues like cavities and oral cancer.
X-rays use a small amount of radiation to generate images—an amount so little, it is considered safe for children and adults. However, depending on your age and oral health, you may not need an x-rays during every exam, and we may not recommend an x-ray if you’re pregnant.
Oral Cancer Screenings
It is vital to detect oral cancer as early as possible when there is still time to adequately manage and treat its symptoms. During an oral cancer screening, our dentists will check your mouth for red and white patches and mouth sores. Our dentists will also feel around your cheeks and throat for abnormal lumps.
You may have a higher risk of developing oral cancer if you:
- Smoke tobacco
- Drink alcohol excessively
- Have had a previous cancer diagnosis
- Spend a lot of time exposed to UV rays
Gum Disease Evaluations
Gum disease is an issue that can develop when plaque and tartar affects your tooth and gum health over a long enough time. Symptoms can include inflammation, bleeding gums, bone loss, bad taste, and bad breath.
Learn more about how we manage gum disease on our Periodontics page.
Tooth Decay Examinations
Whenever you eat or drink, especially foods containing sugars, your teeth collect plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your tooth’s surface. Plaque bacteria wear down your tooth enamel by producing harmful acids, eventually leading to a form of tooth decay known as a cavity. Cavities can affect adults as well as children.
Existing Restoration Examinations
Restorative services like fillings, crowns, and bridges are all checked during a dental exam. Dental restorations can experience some wear and tear over time and could also develop plaque and tartar. Exams help our dentists determine whether they need to repair or replace these restorative materials.
Plaque & Tartar Removal
Plaque and tartar removal is the very first step in our dental cleaning process. By scraping away stuck-on plaque and tartar with a scaler, we can help minimize the risk of developing issues like gum disease and tooth decay.
It may take longer to remove heavy build-ups of plaque and tartar, and you may experience some light bleeding during the cleaning, but this is normal. If you are concerned about discomfort, we also offer services to help manage dental anxiety.
Polishing
During a polish, we use a high-powered electric toothbrush to help clear away any leftover tartar. Polishing toothpaste is very similar to regular toothpaste but with a gritty texture that helps our dentists thoroughly clean your teeth.
Flossing
Professional flossing can help remove any leftover plaque or polishing paste you might still have on your teeth from earlier in the cleaning. If you have any trouble flossing at home, please let our team know and we can help you find easier ways to floss those tough-to-reach areas.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride is a common mineral found in most foods and water and has been proven to help minimize the risk of developing oral health problems. During a fluoride treatment, we will fill a mouthpiece with fluoride paste and let it rest on your teeth for a couple of minutes.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealant is a coating we apply to the outer layer of your teeth to prevent bacteria build-up. We generally apply sealants to molars, premolars, and teeth with deep grooves or crevices.
What to Expect from a Dental Cleaning
While brushing twice a day and flossing once a day help minimize plaque and tartar build-up, they can still collect over time. Dental cleanings are a comprehensive way to remove stuck-on plaque and tartar before they can cause issues like tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontitis.
Just like our dental exams, there are several steps our doctors take during a dental cleaning.
Book Your Appointment Today
If your family is looking for comprehensive dental care with the help of a compassionate team, look no further than Symmetry Dental. We are ready to help you and your family today! Please book your appointment now.

Our Location
Ready to See How We Can Help?
Call our friendly team and make an appointment today. We’d love to meet you.
Where to Park?
We are located in Southland Court. There is ample parking in the lot on the east side of the building. It is easily accessible by C-Train should you prefer transit.
Our Address
- #150, 10601 Southport Road SW
- Calgary, AB T2W 3M6
Contact Information
- Phone: (403) 271-2661
- Email: [email protected]
Hours of Operation
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Our Services

Our Testimonials
Can not say enough about how amazing the staff is at the office. I fell down some steps smashing my front teeth out. Since the accident I have been very well taken care off. Dr Adatia is not only and amazing dentist but an amazing person. I would wholeheartedly recommend this dental office to anyone.
Sam Halvorson
The Symmetry Dental team is genuinely interested in your well being and is connected to you as a patient not just a ‘number on file’. Dr. Adatia is very thorough and works hard for the long term success of patient issues. Very pleasant environment and they stand behind their work.
Twyla Ellis
Dr. Adatia and her staff are the greatest. I always feel comfortable with her which really says a lot for me. I have had terrible experiences as a youngster and because of that I was always very nervous in a dentists office. The staff in the front office always make me feel welcome and comfortable and then it just continues with Dr. Adatia and all her professional staff.
Rick MacDonalad
I suffered from “Dentist – phobia” and I’m happy to say that those days are over. Dentistry has come a long way !! Thank you Dr. Adatia and all the staff.
Anne Nowak
As I walk in to the reception area, I am always greeted by name and given a big smile. I am treated like I am coming to visit a friend. It really is a pleasure to come for my dentist appointment. I recommend Symmetry dental to everyone!
Laura Guiboche
I’m not sure I would usually use the words amazing about a dentist. But I’m about to. Everyone at Symmetry Dental is AMAZING! EVERYONE! They make you feel like family. At this dentist I feel important, cared for, and like I’m getting the best dentist care in the world. I didn’t expect to write something like this in regards to a dentist and the staff, but it’s so true. I would say they’re the best of the best and I’m thankful to have found them.
Brandie Sedore
Excellent, professional staff. Very happy that I came upon their ad. Would highly recommend this Dental office.
Donna T.
If you’re reading this please understand all of us in this world shake our heads at how bad customer service is these days. Symmetry Dental deserves a huge “high five” for the amazing professionalism and customer service. Sarah was by far the best Dental Hygienist I have ever had kudos to that young lady. Dr. Saleema Adatia deserves a gold medal along with everyone I had to deal with upon my appointment. Dental work is expensive, but Symmetry is worth the trip in when a tooth needs fixing. Great job!