Patient Assessment in Dentistry

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the fundamental principle of patient assessment and care?

Prioritize dental procedures over patient care

Focus on the most profitable treatment

Do some harm if necessary

Do no harm (correct)

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

To develop new dental materials

To reduce treatment costs

To increase the number of dental procedures performed

To expand the knowledge base of dentistry and improve patient care (correct)

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

To summarize the patient's concerns

To provide a concise summary of the patient's visit

To identify the patient's main problem

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

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

Study Notes

Patient Assessment and Care

Fundamental principle centers on comprehensive evaluation of patient needs, ensuring appropriate treatment and patient safety.
Importance of recording the chief complaint verbatim to accurately capture patient concerns for effective diagnosis and treatment planning.

Evidence-Based Dentistry

Primary goal is to integrate clinical expertise, patient values, and the best available research evidence into the decision-making process for patient care.

Patient Medical History

Purpose includes identifying relevant health issues that could affect dental treatment and planning.
Key conditions to identify include systemic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.
Recognizing systemic diseases is crucial for tailoring dental procedures and preventing complications.

Dental Evaluation and Restorations

Active root caries indicated by soft, cavitated lesions on the root surface requiring intervention.
Up to several distinct conditions may be encountered during amalgam restoration evaluations, reflecting various complications or failures.

Amalgam Restoration Characteristics

Bluish hue in teeth with amalgam restorations arises from the interaction of the alloy with dental tissues.
Proximal overhangs diagnosed through visual examination and tactile assessment.
Failure to correct proximal overhangs can lead to plaque accumulation, periodontal disease, and secondary caries.
Indication for restoration replacement occurs when overhangs compromise the health of adjacent teeth.

Restoration Quality Issues

Marginal ditching results from wear or improper margins between restoration and tooth structure.
Shallow ditching usually does not warrant replacement if it remains under a certain depth threshold.
Minimum depth for a void in the gingival third to be considered defective is typically defined within specific clinical guidelines.

Examination Techniques

Examination for fractures in amalgam restorations involves using radiographs or transillumination techniques.
Amalgam restorations should replicate tooth anatomy and be compatible with the marginals of adjacent teeth.

Patient Treatment Considerations

Practitioners must identify patient history and current conditions before initiating treatment plans.
Frequency of dental visits and perceptions of past care can reveal patient anxieties and inform treatment approaches.

Physical Examination Importance

Observing extra-oral symmetry aids in detecting abnormalities and ensuring patient aesthetics post-treatment.
Full face and profile images are valuable tools for comprehensive assessments during patient examinations.

Procedure Toleration

Adjusting techniques or accommodations can help patients tolerate complex procedures, improving comfort and outcomes.

Examination Observations

Early observations during examinations form a critical baseline for diagnosing potential issues.
Recontouring or replacement of an amalgam restoration primarily driven by function or aesthetics, ensuring optimal occlusal contacts.

Proximal Surface and Occlusal Contacts

Ideal proximal surface characteristic includes smooth, flush integration with adjacent tooth structure to minimize plaque retention.
Intensity of closed contacts can be gauged through clinical tests for tightness and resistance.
Improper occlusal contacts may lead to wear, fracture, or discomfort in restored teeth, indicating a need for adjustment.

Contact Issue Detection

Premature occlusal contacts detected using articulating paper while examining occlusion during restorations.
Indications for repair or replacement arise when restorations display signs of wear, fracturing, or functional inadequacies.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz covers the fundamental principles of patient assessment, examination, and diagnosis in dentistry. It focuses on evidence-based dentistry and treatment planning to ensure the best possible outcomes.