Examination types:
- New Patient examination
Typically done at your first visit. During this comprehensive examination, we get to know you and your dental needs. And you get to know us. Any dental concerns and questions you have will be answered and looked at. As well as the visual inspection of your mouth, the exam includes complete medical history so the dentist knows about any health conditions that may affect the success of dental treatments or procedures or that may be associated with oral health problems.
This appointment is normally accompanied by taking of X-rays.
Here is some of what our dentist will be looking for during a dental exam:- cavities,
- condition of your gums, such as periodontal pockets, inflammation etc,
- to see how previous dental work such as root canals, fillings and crowns are holding up,
- early signs of mouth cancer or cysts,
- position of your teeth (e.g., spacing, bite) etc.
- Specific examination
If you have a specific concern that needs to be addressed this exam is what you need. During this appointment we will concentrate on a particular issue and attempt to find underlying reasons as well as ways to address it.
For example, a patient's filling fell out, but there is no pain. We will likely take an X-ray of the tooth and discuss with you what could be done to mend the situation.
- Consultation
Sometimes patients want to discuss their condition or plans when circumstances change considerably.
Some already know what the problem is and have X-ray taken elsewhere, but are looking for a second opinion.