Most people sit down in the dental chair expecting a quick cavity check and a clean. What actually happens during a dental exam covers a lot more ground than that — and some of it might genuinely surprise you.
Watch the full video above, or keep reading for the full breakdown.
As a dentist in Tecumseh, one of the most common things I hear from patients is that they didn’t realise how much we look at during a dental check-up. It’s not just about finding holes in teeth. A thorough dental exam is a comprehensive health assessment — and understanding what we’re checking and why can go a long way toward easing any anxiety you might feel about coming in.
We’re Checking Your Gums, Not Just Your Teeth
Gum health is one of the first things we assess. Healthy gums sit snugly around the base of each tooth with no puffiness, bleeding, or recession. When gums show signs of inflammation, it can point to gingivitis — or, if left unaddressed, periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease that affects the bone supporting your teeth.
We probe gently around the gumline at several points to measure pocket depth. Shallow pockets mean healthy attachment. Deeper pockets are a signal that something needs attention. Catching gum issues early is one of the most valuable things a regular exam can do for your long-term oral health.
Your TMJ and Bite Are Part of the Assessment
The temporomandibular joint — your TMJ — is the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. During your exam, we check how your jaw opens and closes, whether there’s any clicking or discomfort, and how your upper and lower teeth come together when you bite.
An uneven bite puts extra stress on specific teeth and can contribute to grinding, headaches, and jaw tension over time. If something feels off when you chew, or you’ve noticed stiffness in your jaw in the morning, mentioning it during your exam gives us a chance to assess it properly and recommend next steps.
Every Exam Includes an Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer screening is a standard part of every dental exam at our practice, and it’s one of the most important things we do. We visually examine the soft tissues of your mouth — lips, tongue, cheeks, the floor of the mouth, the roof of the mouth, and the back of the throat — looking for any unusual patches, sores, or changes in texture or colour.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, approximately 4,700 Canadians are diagnosed with oral cancer each year. When caught early, survival rates improve significantly. Most patients don’t notice anything unusual in the early stages, which is exactly why a professional screening matters. It takes less than two minutes and could make a real difference.
We Also Check Your Lymph Nodes
This one tends to catch patients off guard. We gently feel along your neck and under your jaw to check your lymph nodes for any swelling or tenderness. Lymph nodes are part of your immune system, and swelling in this area can sometimes indicate infection, inflammation, or in rare cases, something that warrants further investigation.
It’s a quick, painless step — but it reflects how we approach your visit. We’re looking at you as a whole patient, not just a set of teeth.
We’re Always Comparing to Your Last Visit
Your dental records are a critical reference. Each time you come in, we’re not just taking a snapshot of where things stand today — we’re comparing to where things were at your last exam. A spot that looked slightly different six months ago is worth monitoring. A filling that’s showing early wear gets noted before it becomes a problem.
This is one of the reasons consistent visits matter. The more history we have with you, the better equipped we are to catch anything that’s slowly changing. Your professional teeth cleaning is typically done at the same appointment, which also lets us spot any tartar buildup that’s developed since your last visit and clear it before it affects your gums.
What to Expect if We Find Something
If we notice anything out of the ordinary during your exam, we’ll tell you clearly and calmly. Most of the time it’s something minor — a small area of sensitivity, a bit of gum inflammation, or an old filling that’s due for a refresh. We explain what we’ve found, what it means, and what your options are. There’s never any pressure, and there’s always time for questions.
If the idea of hearing unexpected news is part of what’s been keeping you away, you’re not alone. We work with a lot of patients who feel that way. Knowing what we’re actually doing during your exam — and why — tends to make the whole experience feel a lot more manageable. If dental anxiety is something you’re dealing with, take a look at how we approach nervous patients — we’ve made it a priority to ensure every visit feels as comfortable as possible.
Ready to Book Your Next Exam?
A dental exam covers a lot of ground in a short time. Gums, teeth, jaw, soft tissues, lymph nodes, and a full comparison to your history — all in about an hour. We’re welcoming new patients in Tecumseh and the surrounding Windsor-Essex area. Book your appointment online or call us at 519-735-2890. We’d love to take care of your whole family.
Dr. Robert Shaban is a Doctor of Dental Surgery and co-founder of Shaban Dental Centre in Tecumseh, Ontario. A graduate of the University of Western Ontario with Honours, Dr. Rob has been serving families in the Windsor-Essex community for over 20 years.