DIAGNOSIS

The"10 POINT INITIAL EVALUATION"

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

2. Oral cancer examination.

3.Temporomandibular joint orthopedic examination:

Palpation (pressing with finger tips) to check for inflammation.
Range of motion tests to check jaw movements.
Listening with ultrasound (Doppler) to check for clicks or grating.
Orthopedic load testing to check TMJ disc.

4. 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 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?

7. Tooth examination to check for:

Decay - defected or uncleanable restorations.

Chipped of fractured teeth.

Abnormal wear.

Cracks, chipped teeth and abnormal wear.

8. Diagnostic study casts (models of your mouth)

Two sets, one is a baseline, the other for 3-D planning or "blueprinting".
Measurement to customize models for jaw simulator.
Measurement for how teeth bite together.
Occlusal Exam (see #7).

9. Radiographs (x-rays):

Full mouth series, 18 to 24 views, to show decay, infection, bone condition.

10. Photographs - Purpose to evaluate:

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