The most important component to any dental examination is the development of mutual respect between a patient and a Doctor. We feel this can and should be established by understanding a patient’s needs and concerns prior to an examination. A comprehensive dental examination should include an evaluation of all structures related to the oral cavity which is important to optimal esthetics and function.
Extra-orally, this includes a thorough examination of the following:
- Facial proportions
- Muscles attached to the temporal mandibular joint (TMJ)
- Facial and oral esthetics
- Head and neck skin evaluation
- Lymph node palpation.
Inside the oral cavity, a thorough examination includes an evaluation of the following:
- Oral cavity soft tissue and musculature
- Periodontium (gums and bone)
- Teeth/tooth restorations
- Tooth pathology
- Occlusion bite
- Dental esthetics
Radiographic and photographic evaluation is generally necessary to solidify dental related findings. In addition to the data gathered during an examination, diagnostic stone casts (replicas) of one’s teeth are used to help evaluate and plan the best possible treatment options to restore oral health, comfort, and function. The information gathered from the examination is used to identify the source of the oral condition(s) and to engineer a plan to improve oral health with proper education and the most predictable treatment options available.