Comprehensive Oral Exams

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that new dental patients have a thorough exam on their first visit to their new dentist. Existing patients are advised to undergo the exam every year. Undergoing a comprehensive oral exam will take a whole appointment.

The ADA defines a ‘comprehensive exam’ as “an extensive evaluation and the recording of all extraoral, intraoral, and soft tissues.”

The ADA defines a ‘periodic oral exam’ as “an exam that is done on existing patients to determine any changes in health and dental status since a previous comprehensive or periodic evaluation.”

What to Expect During the Oral Examination

During the oral examination, the dentist will conduct a manual and visual screening of the mouth and the lymph nodes. Examining the soft and hard palate and the lips’ inner and outer part are the next step. The dentist will then investigate under the mouth, and then the cheeks, and behind the molars. Preventative dental care is always the main focus of London Dental. During the oral exam, our dentist is also screening for cancer.

Why Is An Oral Cancer Screening Important?

We want you to maintain a healthy and happy smile for as long as possible. If you have a history of smoking and drinking, then it’s important to have a comprehensive dental examination (or oral exam) when you visit the dentist. For low-risk patients, then it is fine to have an exam every three years.

Oral cancer exams (oral cancer screenings) are used as a tool to screen for cancer before a person has symptoms.

The Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Health

Mouth cancer refers to cancer that develops in any part of the oral cavity, your mouth. The list includes:

• Lips
• Gums
• Tongue
• The inner lining of cheeks
• Roof of the mouth
• Floor of the mouth
• Maxillofacial bone

A comprehensive oral examination helps protect oral health and your overall health.