For New Patients
Do You Need a Comprehensive Dental Examination?
Advances in dental and medical technology have given us the opportunity to live longer. As patients, we wish to decide on our own health choices with the most accurate, current and complete information available.
As a new patient to our practice, it is most important to evaluate your concerns and oral health thoroughly before planning treatment together. As an existing adult patient, there may be a need to reassess the conditions prevailing in your mouth every 3-5 years.
Why Would This Be Required?
The comprehensive examination is the essential component that will enable us to provide you with optimal dental care tailored to your needs, expectations and concerns.
What is Involved in the Examination?
- A review of your medical and dental history
- Oral cancer screening
- Discuss your expectations and concerns
- A thorough examination of all soft tissues in your mouth
- A detailed examination of your teeth
- A periodontal examination (gums and bone supporting teeth)
- A detailed orthopedic examination of your jaw joint (TMJ) and masticatory muscles
- Occlusal (bite) examination
- Only necessary x-rays are taken to determine the presence of decay and obtain baseline data on the condition of bone and jaw joints
- Photographs
Following your examination, Dr. Courchesne will:
- Analyse all of the data collected
- Consult with specialists if needed
- Establish a diagnosis
- Develop individualized treatment recommendations
- Sit down with you to present the treatment recommendations and answer your questions
How Does this Apply to Younger Patients?
A modified version of the examination is done for our younger patients and will also include a cleaning, fluoride application and a discussion with parents of findings as well as treatment and home care recommendations.