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Comprehensive Exam

Comprehensive Exam

A comprehensive dental exam goes far beyond a simple check for cavities. It’s a thorough evaluation of your entire oral health, encompassing various aspects that contribute to your overall well-being. Dr. Lefty’s specialized training at the prestigious Pankey Institute has equipped her with advanced techniques crucial for this in-depth assessment. Here’s a breakdown of what a comprehensive dental exam, as practiced by Dr. Lefty, typically entails:

1. Medical and Dental History Review:

  • The exam begins with a detailed review of your medical and dental history. This helps the dentist understand any pre-existing conditions, medications, or past dental treatments that could affect your oral health. It also helps us understand an barriers you may have towards treatment (fear of pain, taking time off from work, missing out on family time, etc.) and your past dental experiences.

2. Muscle Exam:

  • This involves palpating (feeling) the muscles of your face and neck, particularly those involved in chewing.
  • Dr. Lefty, using Pankey Institute principles, meticulously assesses for tenderness, tension, or any signs of muscle dysfunction, which can indicate issues like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

3. Occlusal Analysis (Bite Evaluation):

  • This evaluates how your upper and lower teeth come together.
  • Dr. Lefty checks for:
    • Misalignment.
    • Signs of teeth grinding (bruxism).
    • Uneven wear patterns.
  • The Pankey philosophy emphasizes the importance of a balanced occlusion, as an imbalanced bite can lead to TMJ problems, headaches, and tooth damage. An imbalance may also lead to other conditions in the body.

4. Airway Screening:

  • This crucial component assesses your airway for any obstructions or abnormalities that could affect breathing, especially during sleep.
  • Dr. Lefty may look for signs of:
    • Sleep apnea.
    • Snoring.
    • Restricted nasal breathing.
  • Early detection of airway issues can significantly improve your overall health.

5. TMJ Exam (Temporomandibular Joint Exam):

  • The TMJ is the joint that connects your jaw to your skull.
  • Dr. Lefty examines:
    • Jaw movement.
    • Joint sounds (clicking, popping).
    • Pain or tenderness in the joint.
  • The Pankey techniques Dr. Lefty uses, allow for a very detailed exam of the TMJ. This helps identify TMJ disorders, which can cause jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing.

6. Periodontal Charting (Gum Evaluation):

  • This involves measuring the depth of the pockets between your teeth and gums.
  • Dr. Lefty assesses:
    • Gum inflammation (gingivitis).
    • Bone loss (periodontitis).
    • Gum recession.
  • Periodontal charting is essential for detecting and managing gum disease.

7. Visual Examination:

  • Dr. Lefty thoroughly examines your teeth and soft tissues for:
    • Cavities.
    • Cracks or fractures.
    • Oral cancer screenings.
    • Existing restorations condition.

8. Radiographic Examination (X-rays):

  • X-rays provide a detailed view of your teeth, roots, and jawbone, revealing issues that are not visible during a visual exam.
  • They help detect:
    • Cavities between teeth.
    • Bone loss.
    • Impacted teeth.
    • Cysts or tumors.

9. Intraoral and Extraoral photography:

Taking pictures of the inside and outside of the mouth helps to document the condition of the patients oral health. It also allows the patient to see what the dentist is seeing, creating greater understanding.

10. Head, Neck and Oral Cancer Screening:

Dr. Lefty will complete a head, neck and oral cancer screening in order to detect any changes in normal structures. This exam is so important it is completed at every hygiene visit with our hygienists.

The Importance of a Comprehensive Exam, Enhanced by Pankey Training:

  • Early detection of dental problems.
  • Prevention of more serious and costly treatments.
  • Improved overall health and well-being.
  • A foundation for a personalized treatment plan, informed by the holistic approach learned at the Pankey Institute.

By undergoing a comprehensive dental exam with Dr. Lefty, you’re benefiting from her advanced training and commitment to providing the highest level of care.