ORAL EXAMINATION
The first consultation or Dental examination is a standardized procedure where the various aspects of oral health are analyzed to identify any developing dental problems early — when they’re most treatable. This visit will not only form the backbone of your entire treatment but will also help you in maintaining perfect oral health which is an important part of your overall wellbeing.
Steps involved in an Oral Exam are briefed below:
Medical History
Complete oral screening
Diagnostic X-Rays
Treatment plan & Scheduling appointment
Medical History
During the oral examination, a sufficient detail about you is collected by the dentist to develop an appropriate treatment plan. The information includes:
- Current intake of medicines
- Any medical conditions like diabetics, heart diseases, epileptic, bleeding disorders etc
- Smoking and consumption of alcohol
- Any previous surgeries and anesthesia used
- Any medicine or anesthesia allergy
This vital information is of great help for the dental expert to take necessary precautions during the treatment.
Diagnostic X-rays
Some abnormalities in the mouth are not clearly visible with the naked eye. Therefore, dentist either takes small X-ray or does a full-mouth X-ray.
Digital photographs and intra oral camera pictures will also be taken and then display them on a screen. These pictures can be used to explain things more thoroughly so you can see what is actually happening in your mouth.
IOPA taken in clinic - a small X-ray which shows 1 or 2 teeth
OPG - full mouth X-ray this is very necessary
Blood Test
The other vital investigations would be Blood Tests that range over:
Bleeding time / clotting time
Total count / Differential count
After complete dental examination, the dentist will discuss your oral health, including your risk of tooth decay, gum disease and any other oral health problems, and also discuss the consequences of not going ahead with the treatment and alternative treatment options if there are any. Finally treatment Cost and scheduling of appointments are discussed with the patient before any treatment begins.
REMEMBER:
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is the ultimate solution to preserve teeth for life-long. Many potentially harmful dental problems can be prevented with a healthy and beautiful smile. Keep a healthy smile forever.