Dental Examination in Szeged

The Dental Oral Examination: What Does It Cover and Why Is It Important?

Regular dental checkups are the cornerstone of a healthy mouth and teeth, and their importance cannot be overemphasized. Many people dread them, even though they are a basic and painless procedure that can prevent more serious problems. But what exactly does such a checkup involve, and why is it essential?

The examination usually begins with the dentist or dental hygienist asking the patient about their general health, medications, allergies, and previous dental treatments. This history taking helps to get a complete picture.

This is followed by the physical examination itself. The dentist will thoroughly examine the entire oral cavity using a small mirror and a special probe. This will include:

• Checking teeth: He looks for signs of decay, the condition of old fillings, tooth wear, cracks, or fractures.
• Gum and periodontal condition: It assesses gingivitis, signs of periodontal disease, such as bleeding, swelling, or receding gums. It measures the depth of pockets around the teeth, which is key in assessing the condition of the gums.
• Oral mucosa and tongue: Examines the mucous membranes, lips, tongue, and throat for changes in the mouth, looking for tumors or ulcers. This includes oral cancer screening, which is especially vital for smokers and alcohol drinkers.
• Chewing surface and bite: It assesses the bite, the condition of the jaw joint, and the wear of the chewing surfaces.
• X-rays: Panoramic or intraoral x-rays are taken as needed (and often every year or two). These x-rays can show problems that are not visible to the naked eye, such as cavities between teeth or along the roots, bone loss, impacted teeth (e.g. wisdom teeth), or cysts.