The tongue's ventral surface and the mandibular alveolar ridge make up the U-shaped region known as the floor of the mouth. First, we examine this region with the tongue raised by placing a piece of gauze over the tongue's tip and gently drawing it forward and to one side. While wearing gloves, the dentist pushes the tongue's center up and away from your mouth using the other hand's finger or a tongue blade.
After observing the symmetrical submandibular gland ducts on both sides and the frenulum in the middle, we also observe the sublingual glands. Before examining any surface anomalies, it is essential to dry this region with gauze. Next, we use two gloved fingers under the lips and one gloved finger under the chin on the outer skin to feel the submandibular glands and the whole submental area.
The thyroid gland
First, we examine the thyroid gland, then palpate it, as it is frequently challenging to feel. The dentist then tries to feel the whole gland and writes down any lumps or nodules and what they feel like. We elevate the thyroid gland and make it easier to inspect by letting the patient swallow while putting our fingers close. Any pain is then noted and recorded. The patient is then asked to swallow after palpating the lobe with regular fingertips. The gland will elevate while swallowing, making any anomalies more obvious. When the patient swallows, the bottom of the lobes rises and becomes more visible. If the inferior thyroid pole cannot be palpated, there may be substernal enlargement on that side. This procedure is used to examine every lobe.
Tonsils
Here we request the patient to open widely, unwind, and take slow, "Ahh"-sounding breaths. This allows us to see the oropharynx and relaxes the tongue. To see the oropharynx clearly, we apply pressure to the rear of the tongue. Many early cancers are undetectable because the oropharynx is only momentarily visible when the tongue is flattened with a tongue blade, and the patient says, "ahh." Behind the retromolar trigone, the dentist can see the palatine tonsils on both sides. We then check the tonsillar fossa, the anterior and posterior tonsillar pillars, and the tonsillar pillars for any redness, ulceration, or growths that stick out.
Well, there you have it. For similar quality procedures, contact us today!
Your Austin, TX Dentist | About Emily Zaramella DDS Given our experience and expertise, along with our advanced techniques, we're able to always provide a higher level of care in Austin, TX. Give us a call today! Emily Zaramella DDS, 901 S. Mopac Expy Building 2 Suite 395, Austin, TX 78746 \ 737-273-3303 \ emilyzaramelladds.com \ 12/1/2023 \ Key Phrases: dentist Austin TX \
The tongue's ventral surface and the mandibular alveolar ridge make up the U-shaped region known as the floor of the mouth. First, we examine this region with the tongue raised by placing a piece of gauze over the tongue's tip and gently drawing it forward and to one side. While wearing gloves, the dentist pushes the tongue's center up and away from your mouth using the other hand's finger or a tongue blade.