What is a dentist exam
A dental exam is part of a checkup of your teeth and gums. When you see your dentist for a checkup, the visit usually includes three parts: A dental cleaning to remove the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that coats your teeth. X-rays of your teeth on certain visits, depending on the health of your teeth.
During a dental exam, the dentist will check for cavities and gum disease. The dentist will also evaluate your risk of developing other oral health problems, as well as check your face, neck and mouth for abnormalities. A dental exam might also include dental X-rays (radiographs) or other diagnostic procedures.
How does a dentist examine a person's mouth?
A review of examination techniques is provided in Table 12-1
With the use of a mouth mirror, the dentist examines areas of the mouth and face that cannot be seen directly
The examiner’s hands are used to examine texture, size, and consistency of hard and soft tissue around the mouth and facial areas
What is included in a comprehensive dental exam?
They consist of a full mouth series of x-rays, oral cancer screening, gum disease evaluation, TMJ exam, review of underlying health problems, and thorough assessment of each of your teeth
The goal of a comprehensive exam is for dentists to establish a baseline reading of your entire mouth
A dental exam is a checkup of your teeth and gums. Most children and adults should get a dental exam every six months. These exams are important for protecting oral health. Oral health problems can become serious and painful if not treated promptly. Dental exams are usually performed by both a dentist and a dental hygienist.A thorough dental examination is necessary for the dentist to make a diagnosis (identification of disease) and to recommend and proceed with a treatment plan for the patient. A dental exam consists of many parts, with the dentist evaluating the soft tissue, the periodontal tissue, and the teeth.Your dentist or hygienist will assess the state of your gums, teeth, tongue, throat, cheeks, and lips during an intra-oral examination. He or she will then scale and polish to remove plaque build-up that could cause gum disease. X-rays are often taken during this check-up to detect any underlying dental issues.Comprehensive exams are completed at your initial checkup and occasionally repeated every several years. They consist of a full mouth series of x-rays, oral cancer screening, gum disease evaluation, TMJ exam, review of underlying health problems, and thorough assessment of each of your teeth.Passing Dental Licensure Exams Once dental school is complete, a student needs to take and pass a series of examinations. The ADA notes three critical requirements to licensure: an educational component, a written test, and a clinical examination. Besides these three components, additional requirements for licensure vary by state.
