Comprehensive Oral Exam
What Is A Comprehensive Oral Exam
A comprehensive oral exam or dental recall exam is a complete examination of your oral and dental health in order to prevent and diagnose diseases and problems. Gum disease can be prevented and even reversed if caught and treated early. During the dental comprehensive exam, your dentist will check for signs of gum disease as well as for oral signs of diabetes, blood pressure, cancer, sinus problems and immune abnormalities.
All areas linked to oral health are examined in extra oral examination including the lymph nodes in the neck and face for pain and abnormalities. The dental recall exam is used to detect cavities, weaknesses in previous dental work, bone and gum recession and teeth deterioration. The dental comprehensive exam will include digital x-rays (if indicated), an intraoral and extraoral exam, an oral cancer screening and an exam to determine the health of the hard and soft structures of the mouth. There may be photographs taken of your teeth during a dental comprehensive exam, to help you understand what is going on in your mouth.
When Should A Comprehensive Oral Exam Be Done?
Only your comprehensive exam dentist can properly gauge the state of your oral health, which is also important to your overall health. Comprehensive oral exams should be carried out every 3 to 5 years, any time major dental work is planned, or if you have recently been diagnosed with a medical condition.
Your recall exam dentist should be notified of any new symptoms, health conditions, new medications, pregnancy or if you are a smoker. Dental recall exams are scheduled at least once every year to make sure no changes happen in the oral cavity during the maintenance period.
Remember, your oral health is directly related to your overall health. When inflammation is present in your gums or the supporting structures of your teeth, bacteria is also present. Bacteria in the mouth has been linked to diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and even Alzheimer’s disease!
Cavity Detection
A cavity, or dental caries, is tooth decay caused by bacterial acid’s destruction of the enamel and dentin. Although modern use of fluoride in water and in toothpaste has made people’s enamel harder and more resistant to decay, cavities can still form underneath the exterior and inside the softer part of the tooth. This can be prevented by brushing teeth frequently to remove plaque build-up, flossing daily and having regular check-ups with your dental health care provider. Without treatment the cavity will expand, potentially leading to infections and, in the worst-case scenario, loss of the tooth. It is best to catch cavities in the early stages during a dental comprehensive exam to prevent these consequences. Routine x-rays are the only way to allow your dentist to see in between your teeth and under existing fillings. At your initial comprehensive exam, your cavity risk will be determined based on factors such as diet, overall health, salivary flow, medications and previous history of cavities. This information will allow your dentist to determine how often you should be screened with check-up x-rays.
Same-day dental emergency services.