How to read the main findings in your dental exam
An exam report is a set of observations grouped by tooth and by tissue: teeth and existing restorations, gums and bone, bite, soft tissues, x-ray findings, each tied to a tooth number. The report records what was seen and measured, and the diagnosis and plan follow from the pattern, so a single entry is rarely a decision on its own.
Tooth numbering
In the United States, teeth are numbered 1 to 32 starting at the upper right back molar, running across the upper arch to 16, then from the lower left back molar (17) across to the lower right (32). Each finding names a tooth and a surface: the chewing surface, the cheek side, the tongue side, or the surfaces facing the neighbors.
Reading the tooth findings
| Term | Meaning | What usually follows |
|---|---|---|
| Caries / decay | Active decay seen or on x-ray | Restore, or arrest if early (FDA) |
| Watch / incipient | Early change to monitor | Fluoride; recheck |
| Defective restoration | Chipped, open margin, decay beside | Repair or replace |
| Crack / craze line | Line in the tooth | Bite test; brace if into dentin |
| Wear / erosion / abrasion | Tooth loss by grinding, acid or brushing | Find the cause |
Reading the gum findings
Pocket depths in millimeters at six points per tooth; bleeding on probing; recession; mobility. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research explains these measures (NIDCR). Shallow and non-bleeding is healthy; deeper with bleeding is disease to treat.
Bite and soft tissues
Wear facets, high spots, joint or muscle findings; any patch, sore or lump recorded for recheck.
X-ray findings
Decay between teeth, bone levels, root infections, and incidental findings, tied to tooth numbers (ADA).
From findings to plan
The plan groups items by urgency and explains each. Ask what each entry means for you, which are to be treated and which watched, and the recheck date. You are entitled to a copy.
The studio provides written findings after examinations (studio).
Next step: Request a consultation or call (805) 565-5111. A request is not a confirmed appointment; the office confirms times during its listed hours (Monday to Thursday, 8 am to 5 pm, plus select Fridays).
Findings reading guide
| Section of my report | Entries | What I asked | Treat / watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teeth and restorations | |||
| Gums and bone | |||
| Bite | |||
| Soft tissues | |||
| X-rays |
Tooth numbering: 1-16 upper right to upper left; 17-32 lower left to lower right.
Recheck date: ________
Guides are general education; an examination is needed for individual advice.
Sources
- Treatment Options for Dental Caries — U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Gum Disease — National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
- Oral Health Topics: X-Rays/Radiographs (updated Mar 26, 2026) — American Dental Association
- Loul Dental Studio: Services — Loul Dental Studio
Sources were current when this guide was last updated.
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Please contact the studio to discuss your own situation.