What Happens on My First Visit in Detail?
Let’s break down the various components of a comprehensive dental examination:
Dental Health Interview:
Feel free to ask if you have any further questions or need additional information
Dental Health Interview:
- We listen attentively to your concerns, past dental experiences, and expectations.
- Your input helps us understand any recurring problems and tailor our approach accordingly.
- We also inquire about your perception of your smile, as aesthetics matter too.
- Understanding your health history is crucial to provide safe, effective dental care. We need to know your medical conditions, medications, allergies, etc
- We capture details of teeth, soft tissues, and any visible abnormalities.
- We digitally scan your upper and lower teeth and gums as well as your bite with a 3D camera
- We chart missing teeth
- We inspect and chart teeth for stains, chips, cracks, cavities, malformations, excessive wear
- Existing dental restorations (fillings, crowns, etc.) are evaluated and charted.
- We carefully examine various areas in your mouth, including cheeks, palate, throat, tongue, floor of the mouth, and lips.
- Our goal is to identify any abnormalities, such as ulcers, oral cancer, cysts, benign tumors, or signs of cancer from other parts of the body.
- Regular screenings are essential for early detection and better treatment outcomes.
- Signs of gingivitis (redness, swelling, bleeding) are noted. Healthy gums appear pink, have a stippled surface, and do not bleed.
- A periodontal probe measures gingival pockets and recessions around each tooth.
- We assess plaque buildup, furcation defects, and tooth mobility.
- Bitewings detect cavities between teeth and assess bone loss.
- Periapicals focus on individual teeth, identifying issues like abscesses and root fractures.
- Panoramic images assess overall mouth health, including impacted teeth and jaw alignment.
- We assess how your upper and lower teeth function in relation to each other.
- Improper alignment, heavy contacts, excessive wear, and headaches are considered.
- Jaw-Joint and Muscle Assessment:
- We palpate jaw muscles for tenderness, perform joint loading tests, evaluate jaw movement range, and listen for joint sounds.
- This helps identify potential jaw-related issues.
- We provide a printed summary of necessary treatments and estimated costs.
- Treatment options, consequences of not receiving treatment, and preventive measures are explained.
- We discuss financial aspects and estimated dental benefit coverage.
- Your active participation throughout the process is encouraged.
Feel free to ask if you have any further questions or need additional information