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Why is a Comprehensive Exam so Important For New Dental Patients?

Posted on: January 23rd, 2023 | Categories: General Dentistry

At Auburn Dental Group, when a patient looking for a new dentist in Worcester calls the office, they are informed that the first meeting is not with a hygienist, but rather with the dentist. This first visit is not just a meet-and-greet, where the dentist gets to know the patient and their needs, goals, and history, but also a comprehensive dental exam. This exam takes over an hour, as the dentist speaks with the patient about their dental concerns, takes x-rays, examines the patient’s mouth and bite thoroughly, and discuss their findings.

While many people are initially just looking for a dentist near Worcester in order to get a dental cleaning, once they go through the comprehensive exam and dental consultation, they understand the value of it. After all, what’s the point of getting a dental cleaning if the examination finds that the patient should actually be getting a deep cleaning instead. It’s findings like these that make the comprehensive exam important for logically strategizing patient care.

The examination is not just for deciding what cleaning a patient should get, it can be the basis for a roadmap when planning a patient’s dental journey. During the exam, the dentist can catch small issues that may become bigger issues if they are not treated early. For example, a dentist could find a small cavity that may turn into a bigger cavity or a root canal if not treated in a timely manner. The dentist and patient can then discuss the urgency of the issue and when they think the cavity should be filled before it becomes a more serious issue.

The issues a dentist finds are not always urgent but as a medical professional it’s the dentist’s responsibility to be transparent about issue and their implications, even if the patient doesn’t choose to go ahead with treatment. For example, a dentist may see signs of bruxism (teeth grinding) in a patient’s mouth and recommend a night-guard, but not all patients choose to go ahead with the protection for the time being.

The initial new patient consultation and comprehensive examination is intended to provide a dentist with a holistic view of a patient’s mouth where nothing is treated in isolation. A patient can’t just get a crown without any regard to whatever else might be going on in the mouth. For example if the dentist finds that the patient is a bruxer it could impact the details of how certain treatments are done. The only exception to this rule is if a patient comes in for an emergency dental appointment. In such a case the highest priority is the immediate safety and comfort of the patient. The pain and infection are treated first, with a dentist taking a full-mouth approach at a later date when there’s no longer an emergency.

If you’re looking for a dentist near Worcester that doesn’t just get you in and out for a cleaning, and is instead completely invested in your complete oral health, then Auburn Dental Group is the dental office for you. Please call the office to book your dental consultation today and bring us in on your dental journey.

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Here at Auburn Dental Group, we work diligently to protect our patient's rights and privacy. Requesting an appointment via our Internet portal is considered part of what HIPAA has identified as electronically protected information (ePHI). Unfortunately, despite the best efforts we make or take, there are people or entities that may attempt to intercept the data you transmit to us. By checking the box, and electronically making an appointment, you understand that you are making an appointment over the internet and that Auburn Dental Group will keep this information confidential but cannot guarantee that others, outside of our practice, may not illegally intercept this communication. As a result of continuing, you are sending this transmission and accepting the inherent risk(s) associated with making this request for an appointment. As an alternative, you are always welcome to contact our office via telephone to schedule your appointment.

Disclaimer

The information presented here is not intended or implied to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should be used for informational purposes only.

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