Dental Exam

Comprehensive Exam

A comprehensive oral evaluation is a thorough examination of your mouth, teeth, and gums. It is important to have a comprehensive oral evaluation at least once a year so that your dentist can check for any signs of tooth decay or gum disease. During the evaluation, your dentist will also check for any areas of concern, such as spots that may be at risk for developing cancer. A comprehensive oral evaluation is an important part of maintaining good oral health.

Limited Exam

When you go in for a limited oral evaluation, the dentist will only be focused on the one tooth or area that is causing you concerns. This is unlike a comprehensive oral evaluation, where the dentist will take a look at your entire mouth. The benefit of a limited oral evaluation is that it can save you time and money, as well as put your mind at ease if you only have one specific problem. however, if you have multiple concerns, it may be better to opt for the comprehensive exam so that all of your issues can be addressed at once.

Periodic Exam

A periodic oral evaluation, also sometimes called a “6-month check-up,” is a dental exam that is performed on a regular basis in order to assess the overall health of your mouth. Unlike a comprehensive oral evaluation, which is performed when you first visit a new dentist, or a limited oral evaluation, which is performed when you are experiencing symptoms of oral health problems, a periodic oral evaluation is designed to be a routine check-up to help identify any potential problems early. During a periodic oral evaluation, your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums, looking for any signs of decay or disease. He or she will also ask about your recent dental history and any changes in your overall health that may be affecting your oral health. If you have any concerns about your oral health, be sure to discuss them with your dentist during your periodic oral evaluation so that he or she can address them appropriately.