A dental examination consists of verifying the state of the teeth and oral structures by the dentist, and making sure that they are in good health. An examination every six months is essential to keep the teeth healthy for life.
What the dentist can detect during a dental examination
According to the Canadian dental association, the dentist can detect the following problems:
- Deterioration of fillings, crowns, bridges, and other treatments.
- Cavities between teeth, under the gum, on the root exposed by the receded gum, and cavities under restorations.
- Periodontal pockets caused by gum disease.
- Cracked and fractured teeth.
- Impacted wisdom teeth.
- First signs of gum disease.
- First signs of cancers of the mouth.
- Signs and symptoms of other problems that could harm the health in general.
Taking x-rays
During the first dental visit it is recommended to take x-rays to complete the examination. This consists of taking many x-rays of different areas where there are teeth, and also a panoramic x-ray showing the teeth and different structures of the jaws. Subsequent x-rays can be taken at the recall visits to ensure that the teeth are in good shape.
The x-rays in the dental office are well secure because very little amounts of radiation are used.
References
- The dental exam (Canadian Dental Association).
- Dental exam (Mayo Clinic).
- The Dental Checkup (Everyday Health).
The information above should be used as a reference only. Any medical decision should not be taken before consulting a health care professional.
The masculine gender may have been more used in the article, but without prejudice, to make reading easier.
Category Treatments
- Apicoectomy
- Bite splint
- Braces
- Cantilever bridge
- Clasp
- Curettage
- Dental anesthesia
- Dental bridge
- Dental cleaning
- Dental crown
- Dental exam
- Dental extraction
- Dental fillings
- Dental implant
- Dental post
- Dental sealant
- Dental veneer
- Dental x-rays
- Dentures and partials
- Direct pulp capping
- Endodontic retreatment
- Facial mask
- Frenectomy
- Gingivectomy
- Gingivoplasty
- Graft
- Headgear
- Immediate denture
- Indirect pulp capping
- Indirect restoration
- Inlay
- Inlays and onlays
- Internal bleaching
- Laser cavity detection
- Lip bumper
- Maryland bridge
- Mini-implants or mini-screws for orthodontics
- Mock-up
- Mouthguard
- Onlay
- Oral surgery
- Orthodontics
- Orthognathic surgery
- Palliative treatment
- Periodontal (gum) disease treatments
- Pontic
- Pulpectomy
- Pulpotomy
- Removable partial denture
- Root canal treatment
- Sinus lift
- Tooth whitening
- Wisdom teeth