A missionary exam is a type of radiographic exam that is performed after a tooth has been extracted. At Lake Mountain Dental, the dentist or the oral surgeon takes an X-ray of the empty socket (hole in the gum) to ensure that nothing is left behind. The X-ray helps the dentist identify if all of the tooth’s roots have been extracted. A missionary exam can also be referred to as a post-extraction or post- ex tooth X-ray.

Things to Consider with a Missionary Exam

Missionary exams are less frequent than your typical dental exam. This is because missionaries often live where dental care is not readily available. While missionary exams occur less frequently, they are still essential. Missionary exams can help to catch conditions before they become severe, and they also help to maintain the overall wellness of the patient. Missionary exams are also a good opportunity for missionaries to improve their oral health.

Why Is a Missionary Exam Performed?

A missionary exam is performed to:

• Identify teeth that will benefit from orthodontic treatment.

• Create treatment plans for patient needs.

• Assess bite and jaw relationship.

• Measure growth.

• Assess development.

• Detect any potential problems.
  
  

The Benefits of a Missionary Exam

Missionary exams are used when a patient needs a filling but cannot sit through the regular exam. A missionary exam includes all the steps required to examine a patient, but the patient can lay on their stomach in a relaxed position. This exam type allows the dentist to be more thorough when looking at a patient.

A missionary exam is especially beneficial for patients who experience dental anxiety. The dentist can more thoroughly examine the patient by allowing the patient to lay on their stomach. Missionary exams are also helpful for patients who cannot sit for long periods.

What Happens During a Missionary Exam?

A missionary exam is an exam where the dentist takes measurements of the space in your gums. Measurements are taken because your dentist needs to ensure that your wisdom teeth are not pressing against any other teeth. When the teeth are impacted (meaning that the teeth have not appropriately grown), sometimes the wisdom teeth press against another tooth. If this pressure continues over a long period, the “pressure” tooth can wear down. This can cause tooth pain, or it can even cause you to lose a tooth prematurely.

For the best dental services, visit Lake Mountain Dental at 4342 E Pony Express Pkwy Eagle Mountain, UT, 84005, or call 801-830-4486.