WHAT IS THE DENTIST “WATCHING”?
When a dentist examines a tooth, they are looking at several key aspects to assess its health, function, and potential issues. Here’s what they typically observe:
1. Surface Integrity
Cavities (Caries): Dentists check for decay or cavities on the enamel, especially in areas prone to plaque buildup like grooves, fissures, and between teeth.
Wear and Tear: They look for signs of wear on the tooth surfaces, such as attrition (wear from tooth-to-tooth contact), erosion (chemical wear), or abrasion (wear from external forces like brushing).
Cracks or Fractures: Dentists examine the tooth for any cracks or fractures that could compromise the tooth's integrity or lead to further damage.
2. Gum Health
Gum Recession: They assess whether the gums have receded, which can expose the tooth roots and make the tooth more susceptible to decay and sensitivity.
Inflammation or Infection: Dentists check for signs of gum disease, such as redness, swelling, bleeding, or pus around the tooth and gums.
Pocket Depth: Using a probe, they measure the depth of the pockets between the tooth and gums to detect periodontal disease.
3. Tooth Structure
Dentin Exposure: If enamel is worn or damaged, dentists will check if the dentin is exposed, which can cause sensitivity and increase the risk of decay.
Restorations: They inspect existing fillings, crowns, or other restorations for any damage, wear, or decay underneath.
Tooth Alignment: Dentists observe the alignment of the tooth in relation to other teeth, as misalignment can affect the bite and lead to further issues.
4. Pulp Vitality
Nerve Health: Dentists may perform tests, such as cold, heat, or electric pulp tests, to check if the tooth’s nerve is alive and healthy.
Signs of Infection: They look for symptoms of pulpitis (inflammation of the pulp) or abscesses that could indicate an infection inside the tooth.
5. Occlusion (Bite)
Bite Alignment: Dentists assess how the upper and lower teeth come together when biting. Poor alignment can cause tooth wear, jaw pain, and other issues.
Signs of Grinding or Clenching (Bruxism): They look for signs of bruxism, such as flat or worn teeth, which can indicate excessive stress on the teeth.
6. Color and Aesthetics
Discoloration: Dentists check for any discoloration of the teeth, which could indicate staining, decay, or internal issues like a dead nerve.
Shape and Size: They observe the shape and size of the teeth, especially in cases where cosmetic improvements might be considered.
7. Radiographic Analysis
X-rays: Dentists often use X-rays to see beneath the surface, checking for cavities between teeth, bone loss, abscesses, impacted teeth, and other issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
By thoroughly examining these aspects, a dentist can diagnose current issues, anticipate future problems, and develop a treatment plan to maintain or restore overall oral health.
