Comprehensive Oral Exam
At Viva Dental Victoria we always begin working with new patients by completing a comprehensive oral exam. For us, the importance of a thorough exam can not be overstated.
We believe that it is vital to obtain a complete picture of your oral health by doing a thorough clinical, photographic and radiographic examination as well as a digital 3D scan that includes all parts of your oral cavity. This includes checking your mouth for oral cancer and other abnormalities. We want to fully understand your oral health — before doing any work on your teeth.
Your mouth, lips, teeth, gums, tongue, cheeks, jaw joints, occlusion(bite), and chewing muscles are all part of a complex, interconnected system. When changes are made to the teeth, without considering the entire system, we can create problems in other parts of the system. Unfortunately, a common mistake made in dentistry is to start treating the teeth without doing a thorough examination without considering other issues that may be going on in the mouth and jaws.
Furthermore, recent research has shown that there is a connection between your oral health and your overall health. Learn more about Complete Health Dentistry.
Your first appointment will take approximately one hour. We will start by getting to know more about you and your oral health goals. Then, we will review your medical and dental histories and take time to discuss any concerns you may have about your teeth or oral health. This will be followed by a thorough examination.
During your examination, we will:
- Perform a head and neck exam and screen for oral cancer
- Take your blood pressure
- Offer other screening tests based on your medical history and concerns
- Check that your jaw joints (TMJ’s) and muscles are working in harmony with your teeth
- Evaluate your teeth, checking for decay, fractures, wear, looseness, and other issues
- Assess your periodontal (gum) tissue health
- Take digital radiographs and use Carivue to assess for decay and other potential problems, unless you have current radiographs from a previous office
- Scan your teeth with a radiation-free digital 3D scanner
- Take digital photographs to use as a diagnostic aid, to help address aesthetic concerns and to help you understand what is happening within your mouth
- Perform additional diagnostic tests as necessary
We pride ourselves in being thorough!
Treatment Recommendations
A Unique Treatment Plan
After the exam has been completed, we will discuss the findings of the examination with you using your digital radiographs, photographs and 3D scan. We encourage you to ask any questions that come to mind and answer any questions you have to help you make an informed decision about your dental care. Then, in collaboration with you, we will create a personalized treatment plan with options that are appropriate for you.
Once your treatment plan has been finalized, we will discuss the timing and cost of your treatment and set up any necessary appointment(s) for your dental care. Usually, we start with an appointment with a dental hygienist for your initial hygiene care.
If your treatment recommendations are complex, we may need more time to review your examination results. In this case, we would bring you back for a complimentary consultation appointment. Our ultimate goal is to provide you with a healthy, comfortable, functional, aesthetic, and long-lasting.