Generally, during a dental examination, your dentist will examine the soft tissues of your mouth for any abnormalities or pathology, the teeth for decay or defects, your head and neck for swollen lymph nodes, and the amount of plaque and calculus on your teeth.
The dental examination begins with a complete review of your dental and medical history, including any medications you may be currently taking. The skin of the face and neck is examined for any abnormalities. The lymph nodes of the head and neck are palpated to determine if any swelling or tenderness is present.
The inside surfaces of your mouth, cheeks, gums, and lips are visually inspected and palpated. Your dentist will inspect the floor of your mouth and the sides of the tongue by grasping the tip of the tongue with a small section of cotton gauze and gently pulling the tongue forward and toward the cheeks. Your dentist will then inspect the back of your throat and tonsil area by depressing your tongue with a dental mirror or tongue blade and then asking you to take a deep breath. Salivary flow can be determined by palpating the major salivary glands to assess production in cases of xerostomia (dry mouth).
If dentures are present, they are checked for proper fit, retention, stability, and esthetics. Impressions or models may be taken for analysis of bite or to begin the fabrication of a new prostheses. Pre-op photographs may also be taken at this time for before and after treatment comparisons.
Your dentist or hygienist will assess your current level of oral hygiene and home care. Instruction and methods for maintaining and/ or improving your oral hygiene regimen will usually be given at this time; as well as, any recommendations for home care products.
As well as taking a look in your mouth, your dentist will ask you some questions. These may include some of the following:
- Why you’ve come in for an examination
- Any problems you’ve noticed (such as pain or sensitivity)
- How’s your general health
- The names and dosage of any medications you may be taking
- How’s your diet
- Do you smoke or drink
Following the initial examination, your dentist will address the treatment alternatives available to you.
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