Dental Exams & Checkups in Cornwall
A thorough dental exam is the single best way to catch small problems while they're still small — and inexpensive to fix. At Cornwall Dental Arts, Dr. Steven Deneka and Dr. Justin Lee provide unhurried, comprehensive dental exams in Cornwall for new and returning patients from across the city and the surrounding SD&G communities of Long Sault, Morrisburg and Ingleside.
What's included in a dental exam?
Comprehensive new-patient exams. Your first exam with us is a complete picture of your oral health, not a quick glance. We review your health history and any concerns, examine every tooth and existing restoration, assess your gums, and check your bite and jaw. You'll leave understanding exactly where your oral health stands — in plain language, never jargon.
Regular checkups. Ongoing exams are shorter and focused on what's changed since your last visit: new decay, gum changes, wear from grinding, and the condition of any fillings or crowns. Most checkups are paired with a professional teeth cleaning in the same appointment.
Digital X-rays and early detection. We take X-rays only when they're needed, and we pair them with advanced detection tools — including DIAGNOdent laser cavity detection, which can find decay in its earliest stages without radiation, so we can treat cavities sooner and more conservatively.
Oral cancer screening. Every exam can include a VELscope® oral cancer screening — a quick, painless scan with a blue-spectrum light that highlights abnormal tissue changes. When oral cancer is caught early, the chances of successful treatment are dramatically better.
Why choose Cornwall Dental Arts for your checkup
Dr. Deneka (DDS, Western Ontario, 1985; KOIS Center graduate) and Dr. Lee (DDS, University of Toronto, 2016, with over 300 hours of continuing education) have built a practice around careful, prevention-first dentistry — supported by technology like DIAGNOdent, VELscope® and intraoral cameras that let you see what we see.
Exams here are also genuinely comfortable: we listen to your concerns, explain what we are doing and tailor the pace to you. New patients are always welcome, we accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan, and there's free parking at 802 Pitt Street, right beside our office.
What to expect at your dental exam
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A conversation first.
We ask about your health history, medications and any concerns — sensitivity, pain, or something you've noticed in the mirror.
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Images as needed.
Digital X-rays or intraoral camera photos give us (and you) a clear view of what's happening below the surface.
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The exam itself.
Your dentist checks teeth, gums, bite, jaw and soft tissues, with an oral cancer screening as part of the visit.
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A clear plan.
You'll get honest findings and options — whether that's "everything looks great, see you in six months" or a treatment plan explained step by step.
Common questions
FAQ
How often should I get a dental exam in Ontario?
For most people, a dental exam every six months is the sweet spot — frequent enough to catch decay and gum problems early, and it pairs naturally with your professional cleaning. If you have gum disease, a history of cavities, or certain health conditions, your dentist may recommend exams every three to four months instead.
How long does a dental exam take?
A comprehensive new-patient exam at Cornwall Dental Arts typically takes about an hour, because we take the time to be thorough and answer your questions. A regular checkup is shorter, and when it's combined with a cleaning you can usually plan for about an hour in total.
What is included in a dental checkup?
A checkup includes an examination of your teeth, gums, bite and jaw, a review of any existing fillings or crowns, X-rays when needed, and an oral cancer screening. At our Cornwall office we also use laser cavity detection to find decay that X-rays alone can miss.
Why is an oral cancer screening part of my exam?
Oral cancer often develops without pain or obvious symptoms, so a screening during routine exams is the most reliable way to catch it early — when treatment is most successful. We use the VELscope® Vx, a handheld light that makes abnormal tissue changes visible in seconds, with no discomfort. Learn more on our oral cancer screening page.
How much does a dental exam cost, and will my insurance cover it?
Most dental insurance plans in Ontario cover routine exams and checkups as preventative care, often at or near 100%. Coverage details vary by plan, so bring your insurance information and our front-desk team will help you understand your benefits before treatment — no surprises.
I have CDCP coverage — can I book an exam?
Yes. Cornwall Dental Arts accepts the Canadian Dental Care Plan, and routine exams are among the services the plan is designed to cover. Visit our CDCP page or call us and we'll walk you through how it works.
Book your appointment
Due for a checkup — or overdue? Call Cornwall Dental Arts at (613) 932-2058 or request an appointment online to book your dental exam in Cornwall, ON. We're at 806 Pitt Street, with free parking next door at 802 Pitt St.