The "10 POINT INITIAL EVALUATION"

1. Review your medical and dental history; listen to your concerns, wants, expectations and/or problems.

2. Carry out an oral cancer screening inside your mouth.

3. Temporomandibular joint (Jaw Joint) examination:

  • Palpation (pressing with finger tips) to check for inflammation.
  • Range of motion tests to check jaw movements.
  • Checking for clicks or grating.
  • Orthopaedic load testing to check TMJ disc.

Muscle examination (sore muscles can be a cause of headaches and jaw fatigue).

  • Palpation (pressing) of all muscle groups both within and outside the mouth for any signs of tension/tenderness.

5. Occlusal (bite) examination (bite problems can be a cause dental failures).

  • Check if all teeth touch equally (engineering check).
  • Check how teeth meet when jaw moves in all directions.

6. Periodontal (gums) examination:

  • Measuring all crevices to check for hidden gum disease.
  • Condition (quality, quantity and recession level) of gum tissue.
  • Measurement of mobility or looseness of teeth, another sign of problems.
  • Are fillings or crowns causing gum irritation? Are they cleanable?
  • To review areas you may be cleaning poorly

7. Tooth examination to check for:

  • Decay - defected or un-cleanable restorations.
  • Chipped of fractured teeth.
  • Abnormal wear.
  • Cracks, chipped teeth and abnormal wear.
  • Missing and misplaced teeth.

8. Diagnostic study casts (models of your mouth).

  • For a baseline.
  • Measurement to customize models for jaw simulator.
  • Measurement for how teeth bite together.
  • Occlusal Exam (see #7).

9. Radiographs (x-rays):

  • To show decay, infection, bone condition in areas which cannot be examined by visual inspection.
  • X-rays are taken in accordance with guidelines laid down by the Faculty of General Dental practice.

10. Photographs - Purpose to evaluate:

  • Aesthetics
  • Condition of teeth and gums (diagnosis), helps us see more completely, and are a great value in you understanding your condition.

After the examination, we will advice you of:

  • Any conditions we find that will require treatment or will benefit you
  • The treatment options that are available
  • The estimated costs of the treatment in writing
  • Actions you will need to take to look after your teeth – this may involve changing aspects of your tooth cleaning and diet.