When our patients come to the office for an exam, we check many areas. We start by checking for cancer, tumors and cysts. Dr. Haack will feel the neck, the underside of the jaw, and the jaw muscles for any abnormal swellings or asymmetry. The cheeks, gums, throat, and tongue are all checked for sores, discolorations, infections, or growths. Following the cancer screening portion of the exam, he will check the tempormandibular joint, or TMJ, for any clicks, cracks, pops, limited range of motion, and other signs of joint disease. The bite is then checked for any malocclusion such as, crowding, spacing and rotated teeth, all of which can lead to premature tooth loss. The existing restorations are then checked for cracks, wear, porosity, margination, and discoloration. A full periodontal (gum disease) exam is completed by evaluating the color and texture of the gums, if any bleeding or infection exists, and the potential for bone loss. Then last, but not least, we check for cavities. As you can see, a dental exam is much more then checking for cavities. We want to encourage everyone to come in routinely for your dental exams because we all have the potential for disease. Whether it's cancer or cavities, it's always best to catch the problem early.