What Does a Dental Exam Include?

During a dental cleaning examination the dentist or dental professionals, often a hygienist who is working under the supervision of a dentist, will perform a number of evaluations including an assessment of a patient’s overall oral health and dental hygiene. The professional performing the check will also assess teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, root decay, and gum or bone disease. If signs of damage or decay are present, they will determine if further tooth restoration or replacement therapies will be necessary and will help schedule these for another time. Trained dental staff will also perform a variety of diagnostic exams, including x-rays, which may be included in a dental examination. Finally, one of the most important components of any dental exam is patient education. Before, during, and after a dental exam, the professional performing the assessment will provide oral health counseling, teach patients how to take care of their teeth or dental prosthetics, and answer any patient questions. Patients with diabetes, for example, will be made aware of the effects their medications may have on oral health. Medications that cause dry mouth, for example, greatly increase the risk of tooth decay.

A typical dental examination at Willow Pass Dental Care can be broken into three core components: evaluation and assessment, routine cleaning, and education.