A dental checkup. Consists of visual examination, X-rays, and prophylaxes.
An exploration and analysis of the mouth, teeth, and gums by a dentist. A dental examination may be performed as a routine yearly checkup or to assess a complaint. Before the examination, the person answers questions regarding general health, current medications, prior dental treatments, special conditions (such as mitral valve prolapse and other heart conditions), diseases (such as diabetes), allergic reactions to medication, allergies, recent surgery, and pregnancy. These questions should be answered carefully because the information that they provide can be extremely important to the decisions made by the dentist regarding treatment.
The visual, digital, and radiographic inspection of the teeth and surrounding structures, including the head and neck. The depth of the gingival sulcus is also probed and measured around each tooth to assess the state of health of the periodontium. The examination is completed with a mirror, explorer, periodontal probe, and dental radiographs.
A dental examination is a standard procedure conducted by a dentist to assess the mouth, gums, and teeth. It can serve as a routine check-up or be performed during the evaluation of a suspected issue.
Routine dental examinations are highly recommended to detect and treat tooth decay, gum disease, or mouth cancer in their early stages before they cause significant harm. During these examinations, dentists employ metal instruments to probe for dental cavities, chipped teeth, or fillings. Dental X-rays may be utilized to identify issues that are not visibly apparent, such as problems with the jaw. The dentist also evaluates the bite, assessing how well the upper and lower teeth align. Regular examinations in children allow dentists to monitor the transition from primary teeth to permanent or secondary teeth. Referrals for orthodontic treatment may be made when necessary.