The Comprehensive Oral Health Evaluation

You may have seen recent television programs, articles and advertisements promoting cosmetic smile makeovers. While these may have inspired you to seek the services of a highly trained dentist, they also may have made you a little concerned about the “extreme” to which your dentist may advise you to go. It's important to remember the best dentists will always be inter­ested in your personal concerns and preferences.

The Pankey-trained dentist, who subscribes to the principles and practices of optimal care, understands your desire for the best dental services that are appropriate for your circum­stances and objectives, and this dentist is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals.

This dentist will be concerned first with getting to know you as a unique individual in order to meet your expectations. This dentist will be concerned next with a co-discovery examination, which will allow both of you to determine the aspects of your oral health and appearance that can be improved.

The comprehensive oral health evaluation is always an important process for the new patient in a practice. Your dentist may recommend that you have periodic comprehensive evalua­tions over the course of your life, depending on the frequency of your contact with your dentist and changes observed in your oral condition. Your dentist will know when this is appropriate for your individual circumstances.

The entire comprehensive evaluation process may take place over multiple visits. Certain­ly, if you have immediate con­cerns or an urgent need, your dentist will address those issues prior to leading you through the entire evaluation.

Beginning Conversation
Most often, the comprehen­sive evaluation begins with dis­cussing your dental history and learning about your past experi­ences with dentistry. Your dentist gains valuable insight as you talk about your past experiences and express what you want for your­self, how you see your present level of oral health, and your expectations of the dentist and office staff. Hearing your con­cerns and opinions will help the dental team provide the level of service you expect or even raise your expectations. It will assist them in helping you achieve your desired results.

Complete Examination
The next step is a complete clinical examination. This 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, your dentist must gather data about your masticato- (chewing) muscles, mandibular (jaw) joints, and occlusion (bite). Your dentist also must gather information about how these three components work together in your mouth.

Evaluating the health of the periodontium (gums) and sur­rounding soft tissues is part of the process. Your dentist will be look­ing for signs of disease, oral can­cer, and injury 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 prostheses (such as dentures), is an integral part of the process.

An esthetic evaluation is apt to be included. If you have expressed concern about the way your teeth look, you will have the opportunity to “tour” the mouth together, discussing each point of concern.

Throughout this exam, your dentist will be asking you what you are feeling, wondering, and thinking. You, after all, know bet­ter than anyone what you feel in your own mouth.

Along with the process of examining your mouth with you, your dentist will suggest appropri­ate x-rays. These may include films of your teeth, entire jaw system, and if necessary, specific films of your jaw joints.

Diagnostic impressions of your upper and lower teeth will be made using an elastic material. These impressions are a “negative” of the mouth into which plaster dental is placed to make an accurate copy of the mouth. The resultant “casts” will be mounted on an articulator, which is an instrument that simulates the movements of your lower jaw relative to your upper teeth.

A final step in gathering data is a complete set of close-up photographs of your teeth and face.

During this entire process, you and your dentist will be conversing about each portion of the examination and what you are discovering. Your dentist will be actively listening for your questions, concerns, and opinions – and will take time to address them. You will be a collaborative member of your oral health team.

Period of Planning
Before advising you on treatment, your dentist will take time, in solitude, to study all of the gathered information and form a thoughtful plan that addresses your concerns and any health problems uncovered by the comprehensive evaluation. Your dentist may invest substantial time in this phase of the process, as well as tremendous care, knowl­edge and advanced technical training.

Follow-up Conversation
You will be invited to schedule a subsequent appointment to discuss the findings and how to best proceed with treatment that meets your goals and objectives.

Courage and Encouragement
It is important to emphasize that the essence of this experience is understanding your unique aspirations and expectations and learning how best to work with and for you. For those who are discriminating about their health care, this comprehensive, relationship-based approach is both reassuring and satisfying.

Choosing a Pankey-trained dentist, as you have, allows you the opportunity to work with a doctor who is constantly pursuing excellence in all facets of dental practice. If you want to explore the possibilities of improving the beauty of your smile as well as maintain a high level of health and functional comfort, don’t be shy about bringing up your “what if...” thoughts and “I’ve always wished... ” heartfelt feelings.