General Dentistry in London, Ontario
General dentistry is the foundation of a healthy smile for every member of your family. In London, Ontario, general dentistry covers the everyday care that keeps teeth and gums strong: routine exams, professional cleanings, fillings, and early detection of problems before they become bigger concerns.
Comprehensive general dentistry brings preventive, diagnostic, and restorative services together in one place. A consistent dental home makes it easier to track changes over time, catch small issues early, and build habits that protect your smile for life.
If it has been a while since your last checkup, now is a good time to book one.
What Is General Dentistry?
General dentistry refers to the everyday, preventive, and diagnostic care that keeps teeth, gums, and the rest of the mouth healthy. A general dentist is trained to look at your oral health as a whole, identify problems in their early stages, and provide the treatments most people need throughout their lives, from cleanings and fillings to checkups and diagnostics.
Think of general dentistry as your first line of defence. Regular visits allow your dental team to monitor your teeth and gums over time, catch small changes such as a new cavity or early gum inflammation, and address them before they turn into something more involved. General dentistry also includes education: helping you understand your brushing and flossing routine, your diet, and any habits that might affect your oral health, so you leave each visit with a clear picture of how to care for your smile at home.
Our General Dentistry Services in London, ON
Dental Exams & Checkups
A comprehensive dental exam looks past what is visible to the eye. Along with a visual check of your teeth and gums, your dentist reviews your bite, your oral tissues, and any changes since your last visit. Digital X-rays may be taken when appropriate to check between teeth and below the gumline, and diagnostic technology such as Overjet AI can help flag areas that need a closer look. Regular checkups are one of the simplest ways to catch a small problem, like an early cavity or a worn filling, before it requires more involved treatment.
Professional Teeth Cleanings (Dental Hygiene)
Even a solid brushing and flossing routine cannot remove all the plaque and tartar that build up along the gumline and between teeth. A professional dental hygiene cleaning clears away this buildup, polishes the teeth, and gives your hygienist a chance to check for early signs of gum disease. Most patients find cleanings straightforward and comfortable, and many appreciate the smoother, fresher feeling that follows. Cleanings are typically paired with a checkup so your dentist can review any findings the same day.
Dental Fillings
When a cavity forms, a tooth-coloured filling removes the decayed portion of the tooth and restores its shape and function. Composite resin fillings are matched to the surrounding tooth so the repair blends in rather than standing out. Catching decay early, often through routine checkups and X-rays, generally means a smaller filling and a simpler visit. If a cavity has been left untreated for a long time, more involved treatment such as a crown or root canal may be needed instead.
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to the acids that cause decay. A fluoride treatment is a quick, simple step that is often added to a checkup or cleaning, and it can be particularly helpful for children whose adult teeth are still developing, as well as for teens and adults with a higher risk of cavities. Your dentist can advise whether fluoride treatment makes sense as part of your ongoing care.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where deep grooves can trap food and bacteria that are hard to reach with a toothbrush. Sealants are most commonly recommended for children and teens soon after their permanent molars come in, though some adults may benefit as well. The procedure itself is quick and comfortable, and a well-placed sealant can help reduce the risk of cavities in those hard-to-clean areas for years.
Oral Cancer Screenings
An oral cancer screening is a routine part of a comprehensive dental exam. Your dentist checks the soft tissues of the mouth, tongue, throat, and neck for any unusual changes, such as sores that will not heal, lumps, or discoloured patches. Screenings are quick, non-invasive, and an important part of early detection, since oral cancer is often easier to treat when it is caught in its early stages. If anything unusual is found, your dentist will discuss appropriate next steps with you.
Digital X-Rays & Diagnostics
Digital X-rays use a fraction of the radiation of older film systems and produce an image almost immediately, which means less waiting and a clearer picture of what is happening beneath the surface. Along with visual technology such as intraoral cameras, digital imaging helps your dentist spot decay between teeth, assess bone levels, and monitor changes over time. Diagnostic tools like these support more accurate treatment planning at every stage of care.
Why Regular Dental Checkups Matter
Regular checkups do more than keep your smile looking good. Here is why they matter.
Catching Problems Early
Regular checkups give your dental team a chance to catch decay and gum disease while they are still small and straightforward to treat. A cavity found early often means a smaller filling, and gum inflammation caught in its early stages is usually easier to manage than a case that has been left alone.
Removing What Brushing and Flossing Miss
Even a careful daily routine cannot remove all the plaque and tartar that build up along the gumline and between teeth over time. A professional cleaning clears this buildup away and gives your hygienist a closer look at areas that are hard to see or reach at home.
Preventing Costly Treatment Down the Road
Small issues tend to stay small when they are caught early. Skipping checkups often gives problems more time to progress, which can turn a straightforward visit into treatment that takes more time, and often more cost, to resolve.
The Link Between Oral Health and Overall Health
Oral health does not exist in isolation from the rest of the body. The Canadian Dental Association has pointed to a growing body of research on the links between gum disease and certain systemic conditions, which is one more reason consistent dental care is worth prioritizing.
How Often You Should Be Seen
How often you should be seen depends on your individual risk factors, including your history of cavities or gum disease, your home care routine, and any medical conditions that affect your mouth. As a general guideline, the Canadian Dental Association notes that many people benefit from a dental exam about every six months, though your dentist may recommend a different interval based on your needs.
Family-Friendly Dental Care for All Ages
General dentistry works best as a family affair. Seeing familiar faces at every stage of life, from a child’s first checkup to routine care well into retirement, helps build trust and consistency.
Children's Dentistry
Early dental visits help children get comfortable with the dentist’s chair long before they need any treatment. The Canadian Dental Association recommends that children see a dentist within six months of their first tooth erupting or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. Children’s dentistry visits focus on gentle introductions, monitoring growth and development, and age-appropriate guidance on brushing, diet, and cavity prevention.
Dental Care for Adults
For adults, general dentistry is about maintaining what you have and staying ahead of new concerns as they arise, whether that is a small cavity, early gum sensitivity, or wear from years of daily use. Regular checkups, cleanings, and honest conversations about your goals help your dentist recommend the right mix of preventive and restorative care as your needs change over time.
Dental Care for Seniors
Oral health needs often shift with age. Seniors may deal with dry mouth, aging restorations, or gum recession, all of which can affect comfort and function. General dentistry for older adults focuses on comfortable, judgment-free care that takes overall health, medications, and individual circumstances into account, with treatment plans built around what matters most to each patient.
Why Choose Us as Your General Dentist in London?
Comprehensive Care Under One Roof
From a child’s first cleaning to a parent’s crown replacement or a grandparent’s denture care, general dentistry brings preventive, restorative, and diagnostic services together in one place. Having a consistent dental home makes it easier to track changes in your oral health over time, coordinate care as your family’s needs evolve, and avoid repeating your history at multiple offices. Whether you need a routine cleaning or a more involved procedure, the same team can support you through it.
Gentle, Patient-Focused Approach
Dental anxiety is common, and it is taken seriously here. Appointments are paced around your comfort, questions are welcomed at every step, and treatment plans are built around your goals, your schedule, and your budget rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Nitrous oxide sedation is available for patients who want extra help feeling at ease during treatment.
Modern Equipment & Digital Dentistry
Digital tools such as digital X-rays, an iTero Lumina 5D intraoral scanner, and CBCT imaging support more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, while diagnostic technology like Overjet AI helps flag areas that deserve a closer look. These tools are used to support clearer conversations about your oral health, not to replace them.
Convenient Location & Flexible Scheduling
Conveniently located in London, Ontario, the practice serves patients throughout the city, including Byron, Masonville, Westmount, White Oaks, and the surrounding communities. Appointment availability spans across the week, including early morning options, to help make it easier to fit dental care into busy family schedules.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Starting with a new dental team can feel like a big step, especially if it has been a while since your last visit. Here is what a first visit typically looks like.
Welcome and Health History
You will be greeted, asked about your dental and medical history, and given a chance to share any concerns or questions before the exam begins.
Comprehensive Exam and X-Rays
Your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and bite, and digital X-rays may be taken when appropriate to check for issues that are not visible to the eye.
Professional Cleaning
In many cases, a hygienist will clean your teeth during the same visit, removing plaque and tartar and polishing your smile.
Personalized Care Plan
Your dentist will walk you through any findings in plain language, answer your questions, and outline any recommended next steps, along with realistic timelines and options.
Scheduling Your Next Visit
Before you leave, you will have a clear plan for ongoing care, whether that means booking your next routine checkup or scheduling treatment.
Cost of General Dentistry in London, Ontario
The cost of general dentistry depends on the treatment you need, so the most accurate estimate comes from an exam and a conversation with your dentist. That said, a few things can help you plan ahead.
Dental Insurance
Most dental insurance plans are accepted, and claims can often be submitted electronically to help simplify the process. Coverage varies by plan, so it is worth reviewing your benefits before treatment begins.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
Patients using the CDCP are also welcome. Eligible services can include exams, X-rays, cleanings, fluoride, and fillings, among others, though some treatments may require pre-approval and patients may have a co-pay depending on their income tier and plan details. Coverage depends on your plan, eligibility, and any pre-approval requirements, so it is best confirmed before your visit.
Financing and Payment Options
For patients without insurance, flexible financing through LendCare is available, along with standard payment options. If cost is a concern, it is worth raising during your visit so your dentist can help you understand your options.
Frequently Asked Questions About General Dentistry
How often should I visit the dentist?
Most people benefit from a dental exam about every six months, though your ideal schedule depends on factors such as your history of cavities, gum health, and home care routine. Your dentist can recommend a personalized interval based on your needs.
What's included in a routine dental checkup?
A routine checkup typically includes an exam of your teeth, gums, and bite, a review of your health history and any changes since your last visit, and often a professional cleaning. Digital X-rays may be taken when appropriate, and an oral cancer screening is generally part of a comprehensive exam.
Do you accept new patients in London, ON?
Yes, new patients are welcome, including patients of all ages across London and the surrounding communities. Reach out to our team to book your first visit.
Do you accept dental insurance or the CDCP?
Most insurance plans are accepted, with claims submitted electronically whenever possible, and patients using the Canadian Dental Care Plan are welcome. Coverage depends on your specific plan, eligibility, and any pre-approval requirements, so it is best to confirm details before treatment.
What if I haven't been to the dentist in years?
It happens, and there is no judgment here. Whatever the reason for the gap, whether it is anxiety, cost, or simply life getting busy, a first visit is a chance to start fresh with an honest, pressure-free conversation about where things stand and what makes sense from here.
Book Your Dental Checkup in London, ON Today
A healthy smile starts with consistent care, and general dentistry is where that care begins. Whether you are due for a routine checkup, looking for a dental home for your family, or returning to the dentist after time away, We Smile Dentistry welcomes patients of all ages in London, Ontario for judgment-free, comprehensive dental care.
New patients are always welcome. Reach out today to schedule your checkup and take the next step toward a healthier smile.