Once you are seated in the dental chair, the dentist or dental hygienist will usually begin with an oral examination.
This is a routine check of your teeth, gums, and mouth. It is done to understand your current oral health and to identify anything that may need attention. Nothing in this stage involves treatment unless you have agreed to it beforehand.
Remember, you are in control at all times, and you can ask for a pause or use your STOP signal whenever you need to.
During the dental examination, the dental team will conduct an oral health assessment that may involve:
- Looking inside your mouth using a small mirror
- Checking your teeth and gums for signs of decay or inflammation
- Gently touching teeth to assess their condition
- Drying areas of your mouth using a small air or suction device
- Taking notes or measurements
If you experience dental anxiety, it's important to communicate this with your dental team, who may also show you X-rays if necessary.
Most people experience sensations during a dental examination such as light pressure or gentle touching, the feeling of water or air in the mouth, and instruments moving around their teeth. This oral health assessment should not be painful. If you feel any discomfort due to dental anxiety, remember that you can use your STOP signal at any time.
Below is a series of images and videos showcasing some of the tools used during a dental examination. These small tools each serve a specific purpose in assisting the dental team to conduct a careful and accurate oral health assessment, which can be particularly helpful for those experiencing dental anxiety.
This small mirror is used by the dentist or hygienist during a dental examination to view the surfaces of your teeth that are hard to see directly. The smooth mirror is gently placed inside the mouth, allowing the dentist to accurately check various areas while assessing your oral health. You may feel light contact, but this procedure should not be uncomfortable, even for those who experience dental anxiety.
This thin instrument is used during a dental examination to gently check the surface of your teeth for signs of wear, decay, or soft spots, ensuring your oral health assessment is thorough. It does not have any sharp ends. The touch is very light and controlled, similar to tapping or gliding across the tooth surface. If you experience any dental anxiety or discomfort, you can ask for a pause or use your STOP signal at any time.