Thessalon Dental

by Dr. Thomas Detert

April is Oral Health Month.

Quite often, oral health is a very neglected component of one’s overall health. That is, until, something goes wrong.

A tooth may start to ache, a filling my fall out, or your child may fall and break a front tooth. Then oral health becomes a priority.

There is a growing body of scientific evidence that demonstrates a strong correlation between your oral health and your general overall body health. Put another way, the health of your mouth is not isolated from the rest of your body.

That is why we recommend a complete dental exam, aka the “New Patient Exam” for all our patients. The complete exam is the key that unlocks the door to achieving optimal oral health.

The Complete Exam

The complete exam is the appointment where you establish yourself as a patient of the dental practice. The dentist and his/her dental team gather up all the information that they need to properly assess your needs and recommend appropriate treatment.

We allocate a significant amount of time to this visit.

At this visit you can expect:

• the opportunity to discuss your concerns and treatment goals

• discuss your medical history including current medications

• discuss your dental history including any problems or concerns with previous treatment

• a thorough oral exam and oral cancer screening

• a TMJ screening

• pertinent dental x-rays

• a tooth-by-tooth exam for wear, cracks, decay, bone loss, mobility, failing dental work and infection

The Treatment Plan

Once all the information is gathered, the dentist will then explain any findings. From there, treatment options to correct any problems and/or address any of your concerns will be discussed. The pros and cons of the treatment options will be discussed including expected longevity and costs.

A preventative plan to maintain your oral health will be recommended.