At the heart of our practice is a deep commitment to understanding your whole-body health, not just your teeth. Our comprehensive holistic dental hygiene exam is designed to uncover the full picture of your oral and systemic wellness:
Comprehensive Medical & Dental History — Understanding your health journey, medications, and lifestyle is the foundation of truly personalized care. Blood Pressure & Pulse — Your cardiovascular health and oral health are deeply connected, and we screen both at your yearly exam. Saliva pH & Nitric Oxide Testing — A window into your body's internal environment, revealing inflammation levels, immune function, and cardiovascular health that standard exams often miss. Plaque & Tartar Assessment — Identifying bacterial buildup that drives inflammation and disease progression. Oral Cancer Screening — A thorough check of all oral tissues for early signs of abnormality. Teeth & Restoration Assessment — Documenting missing teeth and existing fillings. A complete map of your oral health baseline. Six-Point Periodontal Probing — Our most critical diagnostic tool, measuring gum pocket depths, recession, bone loss, and bleeding response around every single tooth. Bone Loss & Tooth Mobility — Detecting early structural changes before they become irreversible. Home Care Assessment — Reviewing and refining your daily routine with holistic product recommendations tailored to your unique needs.
As part of your comprehensive exam, we offer digital X-rays with your full informed consent. As registered dental hygienists in Alberta, we are trained and authorized to take X-rays. Hygienists assess and identify findings within our scope of practice.
We use digital imaging technology, which reduces radiation exposure compared to traditional film, complemented by protective lead aprons and thyroid collars for your safety and peace of mind. Following your appointment, your images are securely shared with you and your family dentist for continuity of care.
How Often Should You Have X-Rays? X-ray frequency is individualized based on your unique risk factors and oral health history. Digital imaging allows us to detect conditions that are not visible during a clinical exam alone — including decay between teeth and changes in bone levels. We respect your right to make informed decisions about your care, and the choice is always yours.
Phase-Contrast for viewing live bacteria!
Microscopic Plaque Analysis
Chairside microscopic plaque analysis is a simple, non-invasive diagnostic tool that helps us identify the types of bacteria present in your mouth and assess indicators associated with gum disease activity.
A small plaque sample is collected and viewed under a microscope, allowing us to identify four key bacterial types: Rods and Cocci, which are considered part of a normal oral environment, and Amoebas and Spirochetes, which are pathogenic organisms associated with periodontal disease. Their presence can be an indicator of active gum disease. From a holistic perspective, this tool supports a more informed, targeted care plan — moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach to address what is actually present in your unique oral microbiome.
We offer microscopic analysis, and consider it particularly relevant for those with gum pocket depths of 5 mm or greater. Results are discussed with you and incorporated into your personalized care plan, always with your informed consent guiding next steps.
OralDNA labs
Salivary Testing
Saliva is one of the most valuable and underutilized diagnostic tools in oral health care.
As part of our holistic approach, we offer comprehensive salivary testing through advanced laboratory analysis to help identify oral pathogens associated with gum disease, assess genetic markers for inflammation, and screen for risk factors linked to systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. HPV screening is also available.
We offer a wide range of evidence-based salivary tests, including: MyPerioPath · MyPerio ID-IL-6 · OraRisk Caries · HPV · Candida · HSV · CT/NG · Celsius One Gene Markers ·
Rather than treating without a clear picture, salivary testing helps us build a more informed, personalized care plan based on your unique oral microbiome and genetic profile.
Radiation-free Caries Detection
Spectra Intra-oral Camera
The Spectra intra-oral camera is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that uses fluorescent light technology to help detect areas of demineralization and early tooth decay that may not be visible during a standard clinical exam or on X-rays alone.
By identifying subtle changes in tooth structure at an early stage, the Spectra camera supports a more proactive approach to care. When vulnerable areas are identified, your hygienist can discuss minimally invasive, holistically aligned options such as remineralization therapy, dietary guidance, and targeted home care — supporting your oral health before more complex concerns develop.
This approach reflects our core philosophy: that prevention and the least invasive path forward are always our first choice. The Spectra camera is particularly helpful for children and younger patients, where early intervention can support long-term oral health.