Many oral health problems begin without symptoms and can only be detected in early phases by a professional. During a routine dental exam, your dentist will inspect your mouth for any damaged teeth, eroded enamel, and early signs of tooth decay or gum disease. They also check the condition of fillings or other prior dental work and make sure that everything is still working as it should. Digital radiography during your checkup allows your dentist to gather a more complete picture of your oral health status and detect any changes to your oral health that may have been missed during the visual inspection.