Check up
Regular dental exams are a critical part of preventive health care.
During a dental exam, the dentist will clean your teeth and check for cavities and gum diseases. The exam includes evaluating the risk of developing other oral problems and checking your face, neck, and mouth for abnormalities. A dental exam might also include dental X-rays (radiographs) or other diagnostic procedures. Your dentist will likely discuss your diet and oral hygiene habits and might demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques.
The benefits of a regular oral examination are not limited to oral health, but also your overall health. For instance, signs and symptoms of some systemic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and diabetes, might show up in the mouth first. Also, the exam gives your dentist a chance to provide tips on caring for your teeth and to detect oral health problems early.
The American Dental Association recommends that adults schedule regular dental exams at intervals determined by a dentist. Even if you no longer have your natural teeth, it's important to see your dentist for regular dental exams to maintain your oral health and the usefulness of your replacement teeth.
During a dental exam, the dentist will:
Evaluate your overall health and oral hygiene
Evaluate your risk of tooth decay, root decay, and gum or bone disease
Evaluate your need for tooth restoration or replacement
Check your bite and jaw for problems
Remove stains or deposits on your teeth
Demonstrate proper cleaning techniques for your teeth or dentures
Assess your need for fluoride
Possibly take dental X-rays or, if necessary, do other diagnostic procedures
A dental X-ray allows the dentist to see detailed images of specific sections of your mouth to help diagnose problems not visible during the dental exam. X-rays aren't typically needed at every dental visit, and your dentist will discuss with you the need for X-rays based on your oral health and risk of disease. Radiation exposure from dental X-rays is very low, especially from digital X-rays now used, but talk to the dentist if you're concerned.
During your dental exam, your dentist will look for signs of oral cancer. He or she will feel the area under your jaw, the sides of your neck, and the insides of your lips and cheeks, as well as examine the sides of your tongue and the roof and floor of your mouth.
In some cases, the dentist might recommend making a dental impression of one or both jaws to produce a replica of your teeth and oral tissues. This can help the dentist or hygienist evaluate your bite or make a mouth guard or bleaching trays. The dentist will fill horseshoe-shaped trays with a soft, gelatin-like material and place them over your upper or lower teeth. After a few minutes, the trays are removed and used to create a dental cast of your mouth. The dentist might also have you bite down on a soft material to record and evaluate your bite.
After your exam, the dentist will discuss your oral health, including your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems, and preventive measures you can take to improve and protect your oral health. The dentist will also recommend when to return for a follow-up visit. If you are at high risk of tooth decay or gum disease or have other oral health problems, the dentist might recommend frequent checkups. Treatment might be needed to address any of these findings and may be explained in a follow-up consultation appointment.