A comprehensive dental exam allows your dentist at MAC Family Dentistry to get a more detailed picture of your oral and general health. You likely think that a comprehensive dental exam sounds like every dental exam you have had. More so when you consider how your dentist pokes and prods your teeth and gums at every visit. Can there be anything else?

Yes, there is still so much your dentist can do. A comprehensive dental exam is a different visit altogether. It is much more thorough and too long to be performed every time you have a dental checkup. Dentists cover so many aspects of your dental health that even extend to your overall body health.

Here is everything you need to know about a comprehensive dental exam.

What Is a Comprehensive Dental Exam?

A comprehensive dental exam is a series of tests a dentist does to check the health of your whole mouth. The checkup goes further to assess areas of your head and neck that are connected to your mouth.

Dentists usually give comprehensive dental exams to all their new patients. So if you are seeing a new dentist, you may have to take the exam.

What Does a Comprehensive Dental Exam Include?

Your comprehensive exam may involve the following tests.

Head and Neck Exam

This test checks for swelling or sensitivity in your salivary glands and lymph nodes. Any swelling or soreness can be a sign of disease or infection in your neck area.

Also, your dentist will check your temporomandibular joint (which joins the jaw to the skull) to ensure that it is functioning properly.

Soft Tissue Assessment

Here, your dentist examines your tongue and the inner parts of your cheeks and lips. Any sores, swelling, or spots could point to an oral health issue. The dentist will also check your throat and tonsils for any signs of infection.

Occlusion Test

Your dentist will examine how well your upper and lower teeth come together when you bite. The results will determine whether a more detailed bite analysis is necessary.

Periodontal Exam

A periodontal exam will check your teeth for signs of cavities or tooth decay. Your dentist will also check for any issues with your crowns, dental bridges, fillings, braces, and other repairs.

Gum Tissue Evaluation

Your dentist will look at the texture, color, outline, and uniformity of your gum tissue. The test will carefully check for bleeding or signs of gum disease.

Who Should Get a Comprehensive Dental Exam?

Everyone should get a comprehensive dental exam. Whether you only want to fix a couple of teeth or undergo complex treatment, it helps to understand the whole health picture first. That way, you can make better choices about moving forward with treatment.

How Often Should You Get a Comprehensive Dental Exam?

The American Dental Association suggests getting a comprehensive dental exam every three years for current patients. New patients should have the exam during their first consultation.

Consult Your Dentist About a Comprehensive Dental Exam

A comprehensive dental exam means turning every stone and knowing everything about your dental health. That is a crucial part of oral care. It can result in preventing or detecting dental and other health illnesses early.

For more on what a comprehensive dental exam is, visit MAC Family Dentistry at our office in Mandeville, Louisiana. You can also call (985) 238-3797 to book an appointment today.