|
A comprehensive evaluation is important for every new patient. The comprehensive evaluation you receive
at Henderson Mill Dental Care may be unlike any you have experienced before.
We want to know you as a unique individual and to examine you in a way that we can discover together the
aspects of your oral health and appearance that can be improved.
We will gain valuable insights as you talk about your past dental experiences and what you want for yourself.
Hearing about your concerns and opinions will enable us to help you achieve the results you want.
A complete clincal examination is accomplished with your help and input. Comprehensive clinical examinations
are more thorough than the cursory check-up you may have come to expect. In order to reach a complete understanding
of your present state of health, we must gather data about your chewing muscles, jaw joints, and how your teeth come
together against each other. We must also gather information about how these three components work together in your mouth.
Evaluating the health of your gums and other soft parts of your mouth is part of the process. We will be looking for signs of
disease, oral cancer, and wear on your teeth during this part of the exam. A complete assessment of the health of each
individual tooth, as well as the condition of any existing restorations (such as fillings, crowns and bonding) or tooth replacements
(such as dentures), is an integral part of the process.
An esthetic evaluation is apt to be included. If you express concern about the way your teeth look, you will have the opportunity
to tour your mouth with us and discuss each point of concern. In addition to examining your mouth with you, we will suggest
appropriate x-rays. These may include images of your teeth and the entire jaw system.
Diagnostic impressions of your upper and lower teeth may be made using an elastic material. These impressions are a mold into
which special plaster material will be poured to make an accurate copy of your mouth. The resultant casts will be mounted on an
articulator, which is an instrument that simulates how your teeth come together and move against each other as you bite and chew. A final step in gathering data may be a complete set of close-up photographs of your teeth and face.
During this entire process, we will be talking about each portion of the examination and what we are discovering. We will be actively listening for your questions, concerns, and opinions. Time will be taken to address them. You will be a collaborative member of your oral health team.
We will take the time to understand all of the gathered information and form a thoughtful plan that addresses your concerns and any uncovered health problems. We will invest the appropriate amount of time in this phase of the process, applying extensive knowledge and advanced technical training to best understand your oral condition. In some circumstances, more time may be required for this step and you may be invited to schedule a subsequent appointment to discuss the findings and how best to proceed with treatment that meets your goals and objectives.
For additional information go to www.pankeydentist.org.
|
