A comprehensive examination is important for every new patient. Dr. Kratz is one of a small percentage of dentists who have invested in postgraduate training at one of the world’s premiere continuing dental education institutes, The Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education. The comprehensive examination you receive in this office may be unlike any you have received before.
Dr. Kratz wants to know you as a unique individual and to examine you in such a way that you can discover together the aspects of your oral health and appearance that can be improved. You and Dr. Kratz will gain valuable insights as you talk about your past dental experiences and what you want for yourself. Hearing about your concerns and opinions will enable the dental team to help you achieve the results you want.
A complete clinical examination is accomplished with your help and input. Comprehensive clinical examinations are more thorough than the cursory check-up you may have come to expect. In order to reach a complete understanding of your present state of health, we must gather data about your chewing muscles, jaw joints, and how your teeth come together against each other. We also must gather information about how these three components work together in your mouth.
Evaluating the health of your gums and other soft parts of your mouth is part of the process. We will be looking for signs of disease, oral cancer, and injury during this part of the exam. A complete assessment of the health of each individual tooth, as well as the condition of any existing restorations (such as fillings, crowns and bonding) or tooth replacements (such as dentures), is an integral part of the process.
An esthetic evaluation may be included. You will have the opportunity to tour your mouth with Dr. Kratz and discuss your concerns and goals.
Each comprehensive evaluation is individualized for the patient. In addition to examining your mouth, Dr. Kratz will suggest appropriate x-rays. These may include images of your teeth, entire jaw system, and if necessary, specific images of your jaw joints. Dr. Kratz may also recommend that diagnostic impressions of your upper and lower teeth be made using an elastic material. These impressions are a mold into which special plaster material is poured to make an accurate copy of your mouth. The resultant models can be mounted on an articulator, an instrument that simulates how your teeth come together and move against each other as you bite and chew. A final step in gathering data may include a complete set of close-up photographs of your teeth and face.
During this entire process, you and Dr. Kratz will be talking about each portion of the examination and what you are discovering. We will be actively listening for your questions, concerns, and opinions. Time will be taken to address them. You will be a collaborative member of your oral health team.
After the examination and before advising you on treatment, Dr. Kratz will form a thoughtful plan that addresses your concerns and any uncovered health problems. Should he need time to study the gathered information, you will be invited to schedule a subsequent appointment to discuss the findings and treatment options that meet your goals and objectives.
