After I have the radiographs I review them with the patient stating
Lets look at the pics together. When we look for cavities we look for any dark area's in the enamel surface of your tooth." I then point out he enamel and show them any "suspicious" areas including caries close to the nerve chamber, abscesses, calculus etc. (If they have heard about areas of concern before the dr. comes in it increases case acceptance.)
"I am also looking at the bone that is supporting your teeth." I then show area's of any bone loss and where they SHOULD be and then state, " I am going to be taking measurements of the natural space between your tooth and gum to check the supporting structures of the teeth. I then tell them that I am going to start the apt with a cancer screening checking all of the tissues in the mouth. Then I explain that I will be taking the measurements in which I like to see that space be from 1-3mm deep without bleeding. As I tip them back I ask them what they are doing at home to care for their teeth daily. I NEVER want to accuse a pt of not flossing when they do it on a daily basis. It is a real de-motivator.
Lets look at the pics together. When we look for cavities we look for any dark area's in the enamel surface of your tooth." I then point out he enamel and show them any "suspicious" areas including caries close to the nerve chamber, abscesses, calculus etc. (If they have heard about areas of concern before the dr. comes in it increases case acceptance.)
"I am also looking at the bone that is supporting your teeth." I then show area's of any bone loss and where they SHOULD be and then state, " I am going to be taking measurements of the natural space between your tooth and gum to check the supporting structures of the teeth. I then tell them that I am going to start the apt with a cancer screening checking all of the tissues in the mouth. Then I explain that I will be taking the measurements in which I like to see that space be from 1-3mm deep without bleeding. As I tip them back I ask them what they are doing at home to care for their teeth daily. I NEVER want to accuse a pt of not flossing when they do it on a daily basis. It is a real de-motivator.
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