The physical examination is used by the physician to determine the findings.
Extraoral examination
- Soft tissues and muscles
- Bones
- Lymph nodes
- Nerves and nerve exit points
Intraoral examination
Entire oral cavity
- Oral mucosa
- Floor of the mouth
- Cheek mucosa
- Tongue
- Saliva flow rate
- Halitosis
Dental findings (inspection and probing if necessary, possibly with magnification aid).
- Systematic examination of all teeth
- Lesions, teeth in need of treatment.
- Restorations (intact or damaged)
- Tooth structure defects
- Vitality (sensitivity testing using cold, heat or electrical pulses).
- Plaque infestation
Periodontal findings
- Pocket depths
- Gum bleeding
- Degree of looseness of the teeth
- Furcation findings (exposed root bifurcations).
- Percussion (tapping sensitivity of the teeth).
Functional findings
- Occlusion (bite)
- Wear
- Ground facets
- Dental obstructions during jaw closure
- Mouth opening / mouth closure
