Dentistry today has so much to offer... restorative and reconstructive dentistry, porcelain veneers and crowns, bonding, white fillings, whitening, implants... how do you find out what is right for you??
It has to begin with a thorough examination, evaluation and diagnosis. This is the baseline for future comparisons and the basis for a lifetime master plan for oral health.
Carefully completing this evaluation and doing it in a way that you fully understand is the first step in formulating a lifetime plan that will help you achieve and sustain a healthy, comfortable mouth, a strong, stable bite and a confident, radiant smile.
Unless there is some immediate concern or urgency, the first series of visits will involve this comprehensive evaluation. However, if there is an immediate concern, this may need to be addressed first.
What is it?
It is a step-by-step, system-based evaluation, not just a symptom-based evaluation. It is time well spent. Although a great deal can be learnt in one appointment, it will take more than one appointment to gain a full picture. This is without question the most important series of appointments we will have. Many of the disappointments individuals have with dentistry can be traced back to an incomplete evaluation and diagnosis.
Aim:
The purpose of the full examination and evaluation is quite simple. We learn together about your oral health, function and appearance. This not only includes your teeth, the ‘periodontal’ support of the teeth, and the soft tissues of your mouth, but also the temporomandibular joints (jaw joints) that facilitate the movement of your lower jaw, and the muscles that move the jaw.
Keep in mind this assessment of temporomandibular joint function, muscle function and how the upper and lower teeth work in relation to one another. This assessment can include models of your mouth attached to an articulator (jaw simulator) for further evaluation. Dentists refer to the alignment and fitting together of your upper and lower teeth as your occlusion.
During this evaluation, feel free to talk to us about any aesthetic concerns you may have.
The following will be done, although not necessarily in this order, during a full 22 POINT EXAMINATION and EVALUATION:
Background evaluation
- Review your medical and dental history
- Clarify your concerns and/or problems, and your wants and expectations
Soft tissues
- Soft tissue / oral cancer examination
Teeth
- Tooth examination to check for decay, cracks, wear etc. Using the new DIAGNOdent caries detector, we are now able to detect dental decay very early and take action to prevent it spreading.
Periodontal Examination
- Assess the plaque on your teeth and establish a baseline for future oral hygiene initiatives, (“plaque count”)
- Perform a basic periodontal evaluation - BPE. If this shows an increased vulnerability to gum problems, then all gum crevices will be measured to check for hidden gum disease
- Condition (quality, quantity and recession level) of gum tissue
- Measurement of mobility or looseness, another sign of problems
- Are fillings or crowns causing gum irritation?
Temporomandibular joint orthopaedic examination
- Palpation (pressing with finger tips) to check for inflammation
- Range of motion tests to check jaw movements
- Orthopaedic load testing to check TMJ disc
Muscle examination (sore muscles can be a cause of headaches and jaw fatigue)
- Palpation (pressing) of all muscle groups both within and outside the mouth for any signs of discomfort or tension
Occlusal (bite) examination (bite problems can be a cause dental failures)
- Check if all teeth touch equally (engineering check)
- Check how teeth meet when jaw moves in all directions
Radiographs
- Full mouth series, 20 views, to show decay, infection, bone condition
- Panoramic view showing entire upper and lower jaw and TMJs
Diagnostic study casts (models of your mouth)
- Two sets, one is a baseline, the other for 3D planning
- Measurement to customise models for jaw simulator (articulator)
- Measurement for how teeth bite together
Digital Images to evaluate aesthetics and condition of teeth and gums (diagnosis)
- Series of intraoral views
- Series of extraoral views
(Over the years, we will review the above regularly as each can be affected by even small alterations in general health, lifestyle, diet, stress levels and posture).
After your examination, we will:
- Evaluate and study the above information
- Consult with any specialists, if indicated
- Make a specific diagnosis for your current condition
- Design a blueprint for your care, (with diagnostic casts, if indicated)
- Develop an individualised long-term treatment program and sequence
At your consultation appointment, we will:
- Review all findings
- Discuss your treatment recommendations and sequence
- Give you a customised written report
- Discuss all fees
- Answer all questions to your satisfaction and understanding
