---
title: "What Is Dental exam? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "A dental exam is a checkup of your teeth, gums and mouth by a dentist and often a dental hygienist. It helps find problems early."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-exam
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Procedures

# Dental exam

A dental exam is a checkup of your teeth, gums and mouth by a dentist and often a dental hygienist. It helps find problems early.

A dental exam is part of a checkup of your teeth and gums. During a dental exam, you will usually see both a dentist and a dental hygienist. Exams are used to protect your oral health, which includes your teeth, gums and all the muscles and bones that let you smile, speak and chew.

The dentist examines your teeth and gums and checks your bite, which is the way your top and bottom teeth fit together. The team decides whether you need x-rays. At a typical exam, a hygienist also cleans your teeth, as described in [dental cleaning](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-cleaning-prophylaxis).

Tell the team about your health history and any pain or changes you notice. Our office describes exams on its [dental exam page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-exam). New patients can also read about what to expect on the [new patients page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/new-patients).

[Town Center Dental can helpDental Exam](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-exam)

## Related terms

-   [Dental cleaning (prophylaxis)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-cleaning-prophylaxis)
-   [Oral cancer screening](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/oral-cancer-screening)
-   [Digital X-ray](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/digital-x-ray)
-   [Dental hygienist](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-hygienist)
-   [Recall visit (checkup)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/recall-visit-checkup)

## Sources

1.  [MedlinePlus: Dental Exam](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/dental-exam/)
2.  [MedlinePlus: Dental Exam](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/dental-exam/)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)