| Dental Examination
What is it?
The dental examination shows how healthy you
mouth is. After the examination, you and your
dentist can discuss the results and plan the best
way to deal with any problems.
What will my dentist do?
As well as looking in your mouth, the dentist
will ask you some questions. These may include
the following.
- Why you’ve come for an examination.
- Any problems you’ve noticed (such as
pain or sensitivity).
- Your general health and any medicines you
might be taking (because these can effect your
dental care).
- Your diet (because sugary snacks and drinks
can cause tooth decay).
- How you clean your teeth (because correct
cleaning helps prevent decay and gum disease).
- Smoking and drinking (because both can harm
your mouth).
The questions will depend on what the dentist
sees in your mouth. You should expect your dentist
to:
- Look at your face and neck to see that they
are healthy;
- Feel under the jaw;
- Look inside your mouth, at your tongue, your
cheeks and lips, the roof of your mouth and
the back of your throat (places where there
might be a problem that you can’t see
or feel).
- Look at your teeth and gums to see whether
there are signs of decay, damage or gum disease
(for children, your dentist will also look at
tooth and jaw development in case orthodontic
treatment might be needed now or later);
- Compare your mouth now with how it was when
they last saw you;
- Decide whether they need more information
from x-rays, or form plaster models showing
how your teeth bite together; and
- Tell you about any treatment you need, explaining
the choices and whether there will be any cost.
The examination may take longer if you are seeing
a new dentist for the first time.
What are the benefits?
- Regular examinations mean that your dentist
can spot problems and correct them early before
treatment becomes complicated.
- A thorough examination helps you and your
dentist look after your mouth and prevent future
problems. The dentist will explain the options
and then you can decide together what will be
best for you.
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