What should you expect in a First-Class Dental Examination?
The Dental Examination tend to be one of our greatest fears. What will the dentist do? Will it be painful? Is the treatment affordable? What will they find?
These are some of the dreaded questions patients ask when they come to the dentist on that first visit.
Today’s best dental exam should not be focused just on a single tooth, but rather the exam should be more comprehensive so your dentist prepares a treatment plan. This plan, serves in your best interest. A good plan saves money and preserves your dental health.
In my practice, at Center for Specialized Dentistry I often see advanced and debilitating diseases. Patients are often anxious, frustrated and uninspired about their dental condition. It is important that in correcting their ailments our team get it right the first time.
This is what you should expect from your first-class dental examination:
- A Gum (periodontal) examination including probing of pocket depths to determine the amount of bone support, gum recession, gum thickness and tooth mobility. See Pic A below:
- A complete dental examination that looks at teeth decay, broken fillings, silver fillings, worn fillings, leaky or broken crowns, teeth abrasion at gum line, etc. See Pic B below:
- Full mouth X-rays. This may involve a Panoramic, full mouth series, bitewings or CT Scan. In emergency cases a single x-ray may be taken along with a Limited Exam on specific occasions. See Pic C below:
The three (3) focus areas above should set the stage for a great examination.
See additional areas below for a thorough exams based on your needs:
This is what you should expect from your first-class dental examination
4.Bite relationship of your teeth, missing teeth, teeth alignment, soft tissue evaluation
5.Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ), tonsillar areas, muscle assessment.
6.C T Scan- a 3D image used for further information like Implants, tumors, bone defects, impactions, major infections, orthodontics, fractures and foreign bodies,
7.Study models or Digital teeth and soft tissue scan for treatment planning, braces, preop information.
8.Pictures of teeth gums and soft tissues- great to show patients and see before/after results.
You would see from this list the importance of a treatment plan. A good plan is the key to your success. It sets goals that create that beautiful smile over a period of time. Remember, a proper dental plan saves money and preserves your dental health.
The process is completed when all of the information collected and a diagnosis is made followed by a candid discussion and presentation. This should include information about your medical history, family history and financial terms of the proposed treatment. When accepted by the patient then the treatment begins.
Overall, the experience should be a pleasant one. When you leave the office, you should be well informed, educated and presented with alternative choices to make an informed decision. If you need further clarity then a second opinion may be your choice to make.
Remember, the consultation is about you seeking the best information for yourself to create a partnership with a conscientious and competent dentist who looks out for your best interest.
Dr. Kendal V. O. Major is Founder and CEO of Center for Specialized Dentistry which is a comprehensive family dental practice operating in Nassau and Freeport. He is the first Bahamian Specialist in Gum Diseases and Dental Implants since 1989. He holds Mastership as a Certified Fast Braces Provider. His practice is located at 89 Collins Avenue, Nassau at
(242)325-5165 or [email protected].
Vol.1.Art.1 7/1/2020
See pic A below:
See pic B below:
See Pic C below:
