Dr.Bologna reviews what she looks for during a comprehensive oral exam and it’s importantce to your medical and dental health:
What are you getting from the $30-$45 charge for a “comprehensive oral exam” at your routine dental cleaning?
Some patients ask if they can just have their ” teeth cleaned “and not have the exam. Here are the benefits that you receive from the required oral exam.
As I am washing my hands, gloving and placing face mask, I am looking at your facial symmetry, sclera color (white of your eyes) and skin tone. These three features indicate infection, digestive filtering and blood circulation, respectively. By this time, the hygienist has taken your blood pressure and noted your heart rate. We have recently incorporated base line blood pressure readings in our health history review.
Studies show that most people visit their dentist more often than their family physician. By reviewing these important guidelines and strongly encouraging further investigation of higher than normal readings, we have actually aided in initiating treatment for undetected heart disease.
The bulk of the exam is checking for decay, periodontal disease, occlusion (how teeth fit together and function), soft tissue health and most important - oral cancer.
The use of panoramic radiographs gives us indications of tempromandibular joint disorders, detection of calcifications in the carotid arteries which could lead to strokes, and tumors in the jaw and sinuses. The final head and neck palpations (examination by touch) detect thyroid problems, tumors in neck, abnormal lymph nodes, soft tissue lesions and possible early detection of melanomas.
With all of this going on in my head, I am still able to find out your vacation plans for the summer. I hope this helps to understand where your money is spent in my office.
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