| 1. |
An Interview to clarify your problems, concerns, wants and expectations for your dental care. Get to know one another. |
| 2. |
Introduction to Doctor's philosophy of dental care.
*There are different levels of diagnosis and care |
| 3. |
A review of your medical and dental history.
*Your current blood pressure should be checked. |
| 4. |
An Oral Cancer Examination
*Visual and Palpation exams should be performed. |
| 5. |
A Periodontal Examination
*Measure all gum crevices to check for hidden gum disease
*Condition of gum tissue, thick or thin, healthy or inflamed, recession level. |
| 6. |
Radiographs (x-rays) should be taken
*Inside the mouth to show hidden decay, infection and bone condition around teeth
* Panoramic to show entire upper and lower jaws, sinuses and TMJs to check for cysts, tumors and bony health. |
| 7. |
Photographic records should be taken
*To evaluate esthetics (facial and dental)
*Record condition of teeth and gums for future comparison
*To view and clarify findings together |
| 8. |
Tooth examination
*To check for decay, cracks, grooves, wear and condition of previous dental treatments. |
| 9. |
Temporomandibular Joint Orthopedic Examination
*Palpation of joint to check for inflammation
*Range of motion tests and measurements
*Listening with ultrasound to check for clicks, grating or popping
*Orthopedic load testing to check TMJ disc |
| 10. |
Muscle Examination
*Palpation of all muscle groups within and outside of mouth for any signs of discomfort or tension. (some muscles can be a cause of headaches and jaw fatigue) |
| 11 |
Occlusal (bite) examination
*Check if all teeth touch equally and are stable.
*Check how teeth touch and guide when the jaw moves in all directions
*Note: Bite problems can be the cause of dental failures and excessive wear, fractures and loose teeth.) |
| 12. |
Diagnostic study casts (models of your mouth)
*Impressions, bite relation measurements, jaw relation measurements.
*Mount on jaw stimulator
*Use for diagnosis and three-dimensional treatment planning |
| 13. |
A thorough discussion of findings, your input on values and goals.
*Then a plan and sequence are made that fits and makes sense with your life. |
| 14 |
Then we examine the "entire masticatory system" and guide you to a better understanding of the condition of your mouth. This examination allows us to identify problems associated with jaw joints, esthetics, muscles, the bite, gums, and teeth. |
