Dental Examination Procedures

Oral Cavity and Soft Tissue Conditions

• The oral cavity is the first part of the digestive tube and its primary function is to break down food.
• A thorough and systematic examination of the soft tissues of the head, neck, and oral cavity is essential to ensure no parts are missed.

Soft Tissue Components

• Gingiva: mucosal tissue surrounding the maxillary and mandibular teeth and bone.
• Hard palate: anterior portion of the palate formed by the processes of the maxilla.
• Incisive papilla: a tissue projection that covers the incisive foramen on the anterior of the hard palate.
• Maxillary tuberosity: a bulge of bone posterior to the most posterior maxillary molar.
• Maxillary/Mandibular tori: bony enlargements that can occur on the maxilla or mandible.
• Mucosa: mucous membrane lining the oral cavity.
• Uvula: a non-bony, muscular projection hanging from the midline at the posterior of the soft palate.
• Vestibule: space between the maxillary or mandibular teeth, gingiva, cheeks, and lips.
• Wharton's duct: salivary duct opening on either side of the lingual frenum on the ventral surface of the tongue.

Periodontium

• The periodontium is composed of the gingiva, alveolar mucosa, cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone.
• It supports the teeth in their alveolar bone and provides a barrier for the underlying structures from the oral microflora.

Gingiva

• The gingiva is the visible part of the periodontium, surrounding the tooth necks and covering the alveolar bone.
• It is divided into three parts: free gingiva, marginal gingiva, and attached gingiva.

Periodontal Disease

• Periodontal disease is a common threat to dental health, more prevalent in men, those living below the poverty level, those with less than a high school education, and current smokers.
• Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, poor oral hygiene, stress, heredity, crooked teeth, underlying immuno-deficiencies, defective fillings, and certain medications.
• Clinical changes in periodontal disease include altered color, gingival bleeding, and altered gingival form.

Clinical Changes in Periodontal Disease

• Altered color: an initial bright red erythema associated with inflammation, which may revert to its original healthy color if not severe.
• Gingival bleeding: one of the earliest signs of gingival inflammation, which precedes changes in color or other visual signs of inflammation.
• Altered gingival form: loss of stippling, loss of knife-edge free gingival margins, and rounded interdental papilla.

Periodontal Disease Types

• Periodontal disease ranges from simple and early inflammation of marginal gingiva to advanced gingivitis and subsequently periodontitis.
• Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG) is a severe form of periodontal disease characterized by plaques, necrotic tissue, and grayish slough.

This quiz covers the steps involved in a thorough dental examination, including the examination of the labial mucosa, gingiva, and hard palate.