An Oral examination is a complete assessment of your teeth, gums, mouth and surrounding tissues. During a comprehensive oral examination, your dentist reviews your dental and medical history and checks for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer and other concerns that may affect your oral health.
The examination may include:
A review of medications, vitamins and supplements Your dental and medical history.
Allergies, previous surgeries, and relevant medical conditions
Any previous reactions to anesthesia
Smoking and alcohol use
Dental x-rays when needed to identify problems that may not be visible during the clinical examination
What Happens During an Oral Examination?
During a dental examination, your dentist will assess the teeth, gums and soft tissues of your mouth and may also examine areas around the jaw and neck.
The examination may include:
A visual and manual check of the lips, cheeks, tongue, palate and other soft tissues
An assessment of the teeth and gums for signs of decay or gum disease
Checking the lymph nodes and surrounding tissues for abnormalities
An oral cancer screening
Dental X-rays when needed to identify concerns that are not visible during the clinical exam
At Encore Dental Clinic in Port Coquitlam, comprehensive oral examinations are used to assess current oral health and identify concerns early.
Why Is Oral Cancer Screening Important?
Oral cancer screening is an important part of a comprehensive oral examination because early changes in the mouth may not cause noticeable symptoms.
During the screening, your dentist checks for unusual sores, lumps, patches or changes in the tissues of the mouth, tongue and throat. Finding suspicious areas early can lead to further testing and, when necessary, earlier treatment.
Smoking, alcohol use and other risk factors can increase the likelihood of oral cancer, but screening can be important even for people without obvious risk factors.
Where Can Oral Cancer Develop?
Oral cancer can develop in several areas of your mouth, including:
Lips
Gums
Tongue
Inner lining of cheeks
Roof of the mouth
Floor of the mouth
A comprehensive oral examination gives your dentist an opportunity to check these areas for unusual changes or abnormalities.
Signs to Watch For Between Oral Examinations
Between oral examinations, it's important to pay attention to changes in your mouth that seem persistent or unusual.
Contact your dentist if you notice:
A sore on the lip or inside the mouth that does not heal
A white or red patch in the mouth
Loose teeth without an obvious cause
A growth or lump inside your mouth
Unexplained mouth pain
Ear pain
Difficulty or pain when swallowing
Who Performs an Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screenings are typically performed by a dentist as part of a routine or comprehensive oral examination. The dentist examines the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, palate and other soft tissues for unusual changes, sores, lumps or areas of discolouration.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?
During an oral cancer screening, your dentist may:
Inspect the face, neck, lips, and mouth will be inspected for unusual changes or areas of concern.
Check the lymph nodes under the jaw and along the neck for swelling or lumps.
Check the tongue including top, sides and underside for changes in colour, texture or swelling.
When Are Dental X-Rays Needed?
Dental X-rays may be recommended when your dentist needs to see areas that are not visible during the clinical examination. They can help identify concerns such as cavities between the teeth, bone loss, infections or problems below the gumline.
The type and frequency of X-rays depend on your oral health, dental history, age and individual risk factors.
When Are Dental Impressions Needed?
Dental impressions may be taken when your dentist needs a detailed model of your teeth and bite. They can be used to help plan treatments or create appliances such as mouthguards, whitening trays or other custom dental devices.
At Encore Dental, digital scanning technology is used to create precise impressions without traditional impression material.
Schedule an Oral Examination in Port Coquitlam
If it’s been a while since your last dental exam, or you’ve noticed changes in your teeth, gums or mouth, an oral examination can help identify concerns early.
Encore Dental provides comprehensive oral examinations for patients in Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam and surrounding communities.
