Your Initial Visit As a Pankey Institute-trained dentist who subscribes to the principles and practices of optimal care, we understand your desire for the best dental services that are appropriate for your circumstance and objectives and we are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. The comprehensive oral health evaluation is always an important process for the new patient in a practice. The entire comprehensive evaluation may take place over multiple visits.  Certainly, if you have immediate concerns or an urgent need, we will address those issues prior to leading you through the entire evaluation. Beginning Conversation Most often, the comprehensive evaluation begins with discussing your dental history and learning about your past experiences with dentistry.  We gain valuable insight as your share with us how you see your present level of health, your hopes, goals and expectations of our office.  This greatly assists us in helping you achieve your desired results. Complete Examination This is accomplished with your help and input.  In order to reach a complete understanding of your present state of health, we gather data about your chewing muscles, your jaw joints (TMJs), and bite (occlusion) and how all three components work together. Evaluating the health of the gums (periodontium) and surrounding soft tissues is part of the process.  We will look 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 restorations (fillings, crowns, bonding, dentures) is an integral part of the process. An esthetic evaluation may be included.  If you have expressed concern about the way your teeth look, you will have the opportunity to “tour” your mouth, discussing each point of concern. Throughout your exam, we will be asking what you are feeling, wondering, and thinking.  You, after all, know better than anyone what you feel in your own mouth. Along with the process of examining your mouth with you, we will suggest appropriate x-rays.  These may include films of your teeth and entire jaw system. Diagnostic impressions of your upper and lower teeth will be made using an elastic material.  These impressions are “negatives” into which plaster is poured to make an accurate copy of your mouth.  The resulting casts will be mounted on an articulator, an instrument that simulates the movements of your lower jaw relative to your upper teeth. Period of Planning Before advising you on treatment, we will take time, in solitude, to study all of the gathered information and form a thoughtful plan that addresses your concerns and any health problems uncovered by your comprehensive evaluation.  Dr. Marion may invest substantial time in this phase of the process as well as tremendous care, knowledge and his advanced technical training. Follow Up Conversation You will be invited to schedule a subsequent appointment to discuss the findings and how to best proceed with treatment that meets your goals and objectives. Encouragement You deserve optimal health, and we strive to help you have it.  If you need time to “work on” your feelings and decisions regarding your oral health, we understand and are happy to answer your questions, discuss concerns and help you overcome obstacles you may face in developing and pursuing your goals.

COPYRIGHT 2006 | DAVID P. MARION, D.D.S.

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