METHODS OF DENTAL EXAMINATION OF THE PATIENT. Every dentist must know how to do a perfect and professional check-up

Every dentist must know how to do a perfect and professional check-up. He is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases of the teeth and mouth.

Obtaining all data of examination doctor makes a diagnosis. For making a proper diagnosis the following procedures are used: patient’s questioning, taking a case-history, patient’s examination and additional investigations. Questioning the patient thoroughly the dentist establishes the family history and present complaints.

Doctor must know how systemic diseases influence the disorders in the mouth. The dentist should pay attention to the patient’s health status, his systemic disorders including cardiac condition. Dental diseases may also contribute to many health problems.

The physical examination of the patient includes: inspection, palpation, percussion and X-ray examination.

Carrying on visual examination the dentist observes the patient’s skin colour. He must palpate the lymphatic nodules in the submaxillary region.

The examination of the oral cavity includes the inspection of the lips and their colour, the tongue and its mobility, the floor of the mouth, the hard palate, the mucous membrane of the cheeks. Dentist must detect the presence of plaque and tartar, especially in hard-to-see areas.

Then doctor proceeds to the examination of the maxillo-dental apparatus for establishing the following:

a) whether the tooth rows are full or some teeth are absent;

b) normal occlusion and articulation;

c) signs of any abnormalities of the teeth and jaws;

d) mobility of separate teeth;

e) presence of carious teeth and gum pockets.

If the patient complains of bad breath, bleeding of gums during brushing, the feeling that one of the teeth is longer, doctor must suspect the diseases of the gums.

In most cases dentists use X-ray examination and laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Today dentists use very precise high-tech ultrasound instruments in their practice. Modern methods of dental care and regular professional cleaning help to protect from dental diseases. The risk of pain is reduced to a minimum.

The dentists must instruct their patients that regular preventive examinations, early diagnosis and treatment will save their teeth and fosters overall health.