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FIGURE 105.1 Infraorbital and inferior alveolar main nerves supply the teeth.

Intraoral examination. A good light is essential to inspect the color and quality
(i.e., fluctuance or induration) of the lips, gingiva (gums), buccal mucosa, floor of
the mouth, tongue, and palate. The gingiva should be pink, firm, and stippled
(like a grapefruit skin). The mucosa of the cheeks and floor of the mouth should
be pink, moist, and glassy in appearance. The masseter muscle should be palpated
by rolling it between fingers placed intra- and extraorally. Using a gauze pad, the
clinician should hold the tongue and lift it gently to better view and examine its
dorsal, ventral, and lateral surfaces. Lifting the tongue also allows for a thorough
examination of the floor of mouth. Using the thumb and index finger, the
clinician should palpate the alveolar ridge in all four quadrants for any swelling,
discontinuity, or mobility of the soft tissues and underlying bone. The palate
should be examined for any swelling or tenderness. Any soft tissue swelling,
ecchymoses, and/or hematoma should be noted. Any inflamed, ulcerated, or
hemorrhagic areas, as well as any foreign bodies (e.g., tooth fragments) or
denuded areas of bone should be documented. Next, the oral cavity should be