Dental Exams
An inspection of the teeth and surrounding soft tissues of the oral cavity. The examiner generally uses an explorer, a slender steel instrument with a flexible, sharp point, to probe the minute indentations on tooth surfaces for signs of demineralization and caries development. The examiner may also insert a periodontal probe into the soft-tissue sulcus around each tooth, to measure the depth of each sulcus and to explore for calculus and root defects. The examination should include inspection of the floor of the mouth, all surfaces of the tongue, the salivary glands and ducts, and the lymph nodes of the neck. Also called intraoral examination. A clinical exam (or routine checkup) lets your dentist essentially take inventory of the overall health of your mouth & teeth and diagnose any potential problems you may have. First, the dentist visually checks your face and neck to look for any abnormalities, such as lumps, bumps or swelling. Then, checking inside your mouth, your dentist looks for any abnormalities in the soft tissue, such as discolorations or ulcers on your lips, gums, tongue, palate and cheeks. Also performs an oral cancer screening and checks your bite and your jaw joint for any problems. Next, he or she checks your gums and jawbone for any signs of gingivitis, gum disease and bone disease, as they are the foundation for your teeth. Finally, your dentist checks your teeth for cavities and other problems, looking specifically at any areas where you may have symptoms or concerns.
