What typically happens during a dental exam?

Initial exam?: A comprehensive initial oral exam when a patient first visits a dentist examining teeth and surrounding tissues intraorally. Also we examine head and neck, including jaw joints. Radiographs are required as well as other tests if necessary. An emergency examination is usually guided to diagnose a specific issue ( toothache, gum problems, etc). A periodic exam is done every 6 months.

Exam: Initial dental exam involves full mouth check up X-rays, intraoral photos of your teeth and surrounding tissues, gum pockets readings, caries (decay) check, data collection of existing dental work done along with missing teeth, treatment planning, comprehensive intraoral cancer screening, prescreening for corona virus symptoms, temperature check, medical history questions, maybe cleaning etc

Information: An initial dental examination is an organized information gathering process. The more the Dentist knows about yo, the better the quality of treatment. Expect medical and dental history review, medication review, thorough intra-oral and ere-oral hard and soft tissues examination, possibly lab tests/x-rays/study models or digital scan/photographs/CBCT scan/etc. Better information = better treatment.