Dental Examination

We aim to meet individual and family dentistry needs by listening and involving patients in care plans. When we are contacted by patients we make an appointment for initial consultation to discuss oral health needs. We also make an appointment for dental examination to assess condition and treatment needs.

People who contact us may be interested in dental care and/or cosmetic dentistry treatments. We provide a range of care options for children, adolescents, adults and older persons. At all times we listen to patient concerns and provide information in an accessible format for informed decision-making.

If you have already visited us for an initial consultation and are awaiting a dental examination, or if you are in need of more information about dental examinations, here is some information that may help.

What to Expect During a Dental Examination

During a dental examination the dentist and dental nurse may be present to examine a patient’s oral health condition. The dentist will ask the patient to open their mouth and then they will gently conduct a physical examination of oral structures.

The dentist looks for signs of tooth decay, cavities, enamel erosion and gum inflammation. Part of the examination also involves checking for the presence of diseases. Depending on the patient’s oral health the physical examination may be followed by other diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, CT scans or biopsy.

Prior to diagnostic testing the dentist discusses with the patient the reasons why the diagnostic testing may be necessary and any costs involved, so patients may provide consent to continue if they wish.

Dentists are sometimes able to provide patients with immediate information about their diagnosis. In other cases, dentists may have to wait for results to come back from the laboratory.

Dental Examination, Diagnosis and Treatment

The dentist answers any questions the patient has and provides treatment options. All aspects of the treatment are discussed so patients have time to think about their choices and how they wish to proceed with dental treatment.

The aim of the dental examination is to provide the patient with a diagnosis so they are aware of their oral health condition and what treatments are needed. The dentist’s treatment recommendations are not compulsory but provide the patient with information and choices to improve their oral health condition.

Patients can expect to be provided with their diagnosis and treatment options in writing. These care plans include benefits and risks of treatment and all costs involved.

How Dental Examinations Help to Improve Health

If not for a dental examination patients may not be aware that their oral health is suffering. Dental examinations help to catch tooth decay early before tooth infection or abscesses may start. They are also a form of early intervention to identify oral diseases such as gingivitis, periodontitis, caries and mouth cancer.

Dentists are also able to observe signs of teeth grinding or bruxism that may lead to headache and migraine conditions. Discussing a patient’s medical history helps to identify causes of medical and dental conditions for treatment. The dental examination time is also an opportunity for dentists to help patients understand how best to look after their oral health and hygiene.

Avoiding dental examinations can result in patients going without needed treatment and could potentially increase the cost of future dental care. We provide nervous patients with treatments for dental phobia to relax them during dental examination, and we also provide affordable financing options.

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