Comprehensive Examination

A thorough evaluation of your oral health, including your teeth, gums, and overall dental structure.

Comprehensive Examinations2025-06-30T20:19:59+00:00
A dental hygienist performing an exam

A comprehensive dental examination is a thorough evaluation of your oral health, including your teeth, gums, and overall dental structure. This appointment helps identify potential issues early and establish a tailored treatment plan to maintain optimal oral health.

What to know:

  • A comprehensive examination includes a full dental and medical history review.
  • It typically involves X-rays, gum health assessments, and cavity checks.
  • It is recommended annually or biannually for most patients.

What to expect:

A woman speaking with her dentist in an examination room.

Review

The appointment begins with a discussion about your dental and medical history, including any current health conditions, medications, allergies, or past dental treatments.

Your dentist will ask about any oral health concerns you’ve been experiencing, such as sensitivity, pain, or cosmetic goals, to better understand your needs.

Examination

The dentist conducts a thorough visual examination of your teeth, gums, and soft tissues. They check for signs of cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, or abnormalities in the mouth.

Your bite and jaw alignment will be evaluated to detect potential issues like teeth grinding (bruxism) or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems. For children or teens, the examination may also include monitoring tooth development and checking for alignment issues that might require orthodontic treatment.

A close-up of a dentist using a mirror to inspect a patients teeth.
A patient is getting x-rayed with an Orthophos XG machine

Diagnostic Tools

X-rays or other imaging as needed.

Recommendations

Based on the findings, your dentist will discuss their observations and suggest a personalized treatment plan. This may include preventive care, restorative procedures, or cosmetic treatments to address specific issues.

A patient receiving information from her dentist.

After Care:

  • Follow any at-home care instructions provided by your dentist.
  • Schedule follow-up treatments if necessary.
  • Continue regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits.

Take the Next Step in Optimum Oral Health

From comprehensive oral examinations to full mouth restorations, we are here to assist you, servicing St. John’s and surrounding areas. We will provide you with reliable solutions based on your oral health needs.

FAQ related to Comprehensive Examinations

Do I need my wisdom teeth removed?2026-09-29T17:30:45+00:00

It depends on how your wisdom teeth are coming in and whether they’re causing problems. If they’re erupting straight, have enough room, and you can keep them clean, they may not need to come out at all. But if they’re impacted (stuck under the gum or bone), coming in at an angle, or causing crowding, pain, or repeated infection, removal is usually the better call. We’ll take a look at your X-rays and let you know what we’re seeing and if extraction is recommended, we’ll walk you through exactly why.

Can I skip X-rays if I’ve had them recently?2024-12-16T19:26:20+00:00

Share recent X-rays with your dentist; they’ll decide if new ones are needed.

Is this the same as a routine checkup?2024-12-16T19:25:54+00:00

No, a comprehensive exam is more in-depth and occurs less frequently than routine cleanings or checkups.

How long does a comprehensive exam take?2024-12-16T19:25:24+00:00

Typically, it takes about 45 minutes to an hour.

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