
Oral Health Checkup
Dental exams help protect not just your oral health, but also your overall health. For instance, signs and symptoms of some systemic diseases might show up in the mouth first. Also, the exam gives your dentist a chance to provide tips on caring for your teeth and to detect oral health problems early — when they’re most treatable.
During the exam, your dentist will check your face, neck and underneath your bottom jawline for any abnormalities (lumps, bumps or swelling). They’ll also inspect and do a thorough examination of your teeth, gums and mouth, looking for signs of tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. They’ll discuss any problems you’ve been experiencing, such as toothaches, sensitivity, or cosmetic concerns as well as put together a personalized treatment plan designed to improve your oral health.
The goal of the examination is to maintain your good oral health and to identify and prevent problems from becoming serious.
Even if you no longer have your natural teeth, it’s important to see your dentist for regular dental exams to maintain your oral health and the usefulness of your replacement teeth.