We always take care of your smile
A good and accurate dental treatment is only possible with a correct diagnosis. The main branch in dentistry that involves diagnosis and identification is called “oral diagnosis” and can be described as “the art of using scientific knowledge to identify all problems inside and outside the mouth and distinguish between them.”
Oral diagnosis is not only important in dentistry but also plays a critical role in systemic diseases; in fact, some oral and extraoral findings can be indicators of certain systemic conditions.
Image: 1 – Our little guest visiting our clinic together with our pediatric dentist.
After the patient sits in the dentist’s chair, their complaints are first listened to. The issues mentioned by the patient provide clues about the underlying problem. For example: bleeding gums during brushing may indicate gum disease; sensitivity to hot or cold may suggest tooth decay; difficulty in chewing could point to missing teeth, painful teeth, ill-fitting prostheses, or problems in the jaw joint or chewing muscles.
A thorough oral diagnosis is performed through extraoral, intraoral, and radiological examinations.
Extraoral examination is conducted after the patient sits in the chair and explains their complaints. It includes the tissues around the mouth (face, jaws, temporomandibular joint, lips, nose, neck, chin, etc.). If anomalies are detected in these areas, further imaging such as CT scans may be requested.
A comprehensive intraoral examination should include not only the teeth but also the gums, palate, tongue, and floor of the mouth. Any unusual findings should be noted, and a more detailed examination should be performed if necessary. Gums should be examined visually for appearance and manually for volume. If they are red or loose, gum disease (gingivitis, periodontitis) may be present. If swelling is detected by palpation, the presence of an abscess is considered. Findings from intraoral examinations, including palpation, percussion, and other methods, are combined with the patient’s complaints and recorded on specially prepared charts. For example, it can be determined whether pain is caused by deep tooth decay or periodontal disease.
Teeth are examined systematically for gum recession, plaque, tartar buildup, fistulas, mobility, decay, ill-fitting restorations, crowding, color, number, and shape abnormalities. After evaluating each tooth individually, the bite and the relationship between the jaws are also assessed.
Another method that supports all the diagnoses mentioned above is radiological examination. Standard panoramic and right and left bitewing X-rays provide information on interproximal cavities that cannot be detected clinically, chronic lesions, impacted teeth, problems in periodontal tissues (bone loss), formations in the jaw bones, overfilled restorations, and in children, additionally the position of permanent teeth, root development, and resorption of primary tooth roots.
Periapical X-rays, especially for teeth that have experienced trauma, taken at the time of injury and at specific intervals, serve as a guide for the condition of the tooth, root, and surrounding structures. Additionally, panoramic X-rays are recommended for all individuals over 40, regardless of complaints, as they help identify asymptomatic diseases and bone pathologies.
Once all problems are identified and supported by radiological findings, alternative treatment plans can be easily established.
In short, the half-hour spent during the initial examination guides a complete oral diagnosis and paves the way for a successful and informed treatment approach.
We always take care of your smile
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