Routine dental exams are an appointment where the dentist can thoroughly exam your teeth and look for any possible concerns that may not be visible to the naked eye. Using x-rays, the dentist can spot areas of decay in the teeth that a physical exam may not see. After examining the x-rays, the dentist does a full mouth exam, starting with your teeth. If x-rays showed decay, these areas will be closely checked to see if you have any cavities. The dentist also looks for areas of plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth. The dentist will also examine your bite for any problems.
Next, the dentist does a full examination of your gums. A special tool helps the dentist to measure the depth of the tiny spaces between your gums and teeth. Spaces should be shallow. Deeper spaces can be an indication of gum disease.
In addition to your teeth and gums, the dentist will examine your head, face, neck, throat and tongue, looking for any signs of redness, swelling, or signs of underlying medical conditions, such as autoimmune disease or cancer.
If you have problem areas, the dentist may talk with you and show you better methods of oral care in order to improve the health of your teeth. If problems are noted, future appointments may be required for fillings or other dental work.