What happens during a dental exam?

1. A dentist will ask about your medical history and any symptoms you are experiencing.

2. The dentist will use a special probe to measure the space between the teeth. This space, or “pocket,” should be between 3 and 5 millimeters. An excessive amount of plaque buildup can cause the pockets to grow larger, and the bacteria can lead to gum disease.

3. The dentist will then clean and polish your teeth. Plaque buildup and stains on your enamel can both be addressed with a professional cleaning.

4. X-rays may be taken of the teeth. These images can show the dentist if you have developed any cavities between the teeth or if you have impacted wisdom teeth that have not yet erupted.