Patient Assessment in Dentistry

What is the fundamental principle of patient assessment and care?

Do no harm

What is the primary goal of evidence-based dentistry research?

To expand the knowledge base of dentistry and improve patient care

Why is it important to record the patient's chief complaint verbatim?

To allow the patient to express all aspects of their current problems

What is the purpose of taking a patient's medical history?

To identify conditions that could alter, complicate, or contraindicate proposed dental procedures Signup and view all the answers

What type of conditions should be identified in a patient's medical history?

Communicable diseases, allergies, systemic diseases, and joint replacements Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to identify systemic diseases in a patient's medical history?

To ensure prophylactic antibiotic coverage or other treatment modifications Signup and view all the answers

What is the indication of active root caries?

Presence of softening and cavitation Signup and view all the answers

How many distinct conditions might be encountered when amalgam restorations are evaluated?

10 Signup and view all the answers

What is the cause of the bluish hue seen in teeth with amalgam restorations?

Leaching of amalgam corrosion products into the dentinal tubules Signup and view all the answers

How are proximal overhangs diagnosed?

Visually, tactilely, and radiographically Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of not correcting proximal overhangs?

Chronic inflammation of adjacent soft tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is the indication for restoration replacement due to proximal overhangs?

When the overhang provides an obstacle to good oral hygiene Signup and view all the answers

What is marginal ditching a result of?

Enamel wear and/or restoration edge fracture Signup and view all the answers

At what depth should shallow ditching usually not be a reason for restoration replacement?

0.5 mm Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum depth of a void that is located in the gingival third of the tooth crown and is considered defective?

0.3 mm Signup and view all the answers

What type of examination can detect the presence of a fracture line across the occlusal portion of an amalgam restoration?

Clinical examination Signup and view all the answers

What should amalgam restorations duplicate?

The normal anatomic contours of teeth Signup and view all the answers

What should be compatible with the adjacent marginal ridge?

The marginal ridge portion of the amalgam restoration Signup and view all the answers

What might the practitioner need to identify prior to initiating dental care?

Need for medical consultation or referral Signup and view all the answers

What can be indicated by the frequency of dental care and perceptions of previous care?

The patient's future behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of observing extra-oral symmetry of the patient's physical appearance?

To identify extra-oral abnormalities or disease Signup and view all the answers

What is a useful tool in capturing full face and profile images during the examination process?

Clinical photography Signup and view all the answers

What can be altered to avoid future complications if a patient has difficulty tolerating certain types of procedures?

The treatment or environment Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of the early observations made during the examination process?

Extra-oral observations Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for recontouring or replacing an amalgam restoration?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal characteristic of the proximal surface of an amalgam restoration?

A surface that recreates the normal height of contour Signup and view all the answers

How can the intensity of a closed contact be assessed?

Using floss Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of improper occlusal contacts on an amalgam restoration?

Pain on biting from hyper-occlusion Signup and view all the answers

How can premature occlusal contacts be detected?

Using occlusal marking paper Signup and view all the answers

What is an indication for repair or replacement of an amalgam restoration?

Recurrent caries adjacent to the marginal area Signup and view all the answers