Open Wide: What Kind of Dental Exam Are You Actually Getting?

By: Brittany M.

Most people think of a dental exam as just “ a quick checkup.” But did you know there are several types of dental exams, and each one serves a specific purpose? Whether it’s your first visit, a routine checkup, or a sudden emergency, the kind of exam you receive can shape how your dental team helps you.

Why Are Dental Exams Important?

Dental exams are important in protecting your oral health. They are used to evaluate your teeth, gums, muscles, and bones, which play a role in your ability to speak, chew, and smile. More importantly, dental exams are a preventive tool. They help identify problems early, before they become painful, expensive, or more complex to treat.

Below is a breakdown of the dental exams you might experience at the dental office, and what to expect during each one:

Comprehensive Exam

What is it: A detailed, full-mouth evaluation that establishes a baseline for your oral health.

Involved: New patient, established patients with significant change in health conditions or unusual circumstances, established patients who have been absent for 3 or more years. 

What to expect: 

1. Extraoral (outside the mouth) and Intraoral ( inside the mouth) exam

2. Oral cancer screening

3. Review of medical and dental history 

4. Full evaluation of teeth, gums, missing or unerupted teeth, restorations, prostheses, periodontal screening, etc.

Periodic Exam

What is it: A routine exam that checks for any changes that have been made to the patient’s dental and medical status since the last comprehensive or periodic exam.

Involved: Established Patients seen at regular intervals (usually every 6-12 months)

What to expect:

1. Oral cancer evaluation

2. X-rays

3. Periodontal screening

Limited Exam

What is it: An exam that addresses a specific oral health problem or complaint.

Involved: Patients with dental emergencies, trauma, acute infections, etc.

What to expect:

1. X-Rays

2. Possible same-day procedures (ex: tooth extraction, providing a temporary crown, etc.) 

Each exam type plays a unique role in protecting your oral health. By understanding the differences, you’ll know what to expect and feel more empowered in your care. Whether it's preventive, diagnostic, or urgent, every exam is tailored to help you get the right treatment at the right time.

References: 

Delta Dental of Arkansas. (2025). Dentist handbook (Jan 1, 2025 edition). Delta Dental of Arkansas. Retrieved from Delta Dental of Arkansas website. 

MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Dental exam: MedlinePlus medical test. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/dental-exam/

Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board