There are many problems that are associated with your oral health, which your dentist checks for, and you cannot see. The following are some of the things that your dentist will be able to detect in the check up exam: the deterioration of the restorations in your mouth (old fillings, crowns and bridges), root cavities, the presence and progression of periodontal disease (gum disease), cavities under the gum line, presence of any impacted wisdom tooth, early signs of dental pathology (abscess, infection, etc), and oral cancer.