Approach to Treatment
A comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan is the basis for providing long-term dental health!
We listen carefully to your reason for seeking prosthodontic treatment. A good understanding of your concerns and expectations of treatment is so important. A past dental history is essential to establishing a holistic approach to treatment. Often, a patient is unaware of the many problems that need attention because there are host of conditions that are painless and yet have negative long-term consequences.
Generally the following is the sequence treatment unless an acute condition needs immediate attention:
1. The initial consultation includes a thorough preliminary visual and dental examination. On the basis of this examination and dental history, it is then possible to explain what further steps are needed.
In order to offer you a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan, further clinical data needs to gathered. These may include...
2. Complete x-ray examination with either intra-oral x-rays or a panoramic x-ray/ C T scan/ cone beam tomography.
3. Diagnostic study casts are another essential element in formulating a complete clinical assessment.
4. Clinical photographs are also an essential element in treatment planning.
In cases that require a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, consultation may be needed with your general dentist; other specialists; and my technicians before we meet again. The diagnostic records all facilitate a meaningful professional discussion on your behalf.
Further investigations like a CT scan may be indicated especially in implant dentistry.
5. A treatment planning consultation follows after all the necessary diagnostic information has been gathered and reviewed. At this appointment, we will discuss the conditions present and the most satisfactory treatment options and alternatives will be presented. Arising out of this discussion, a treatment plan will evolve which will outline the sequence of treatment including the approximate duration of treatment, the prognosis, possible risks and whether other colleagues’ services will be required e.g. your general dentist, a dental hygienist, a periodontist, an oral surgeon, or an orthodontist. Further appointments will be scheduled as necessary.
6. A written treatment plan and associated cost estimates will be prepared.