When an extensive amount of dental work needs to be done, it takes a well- thought-out plan and preparation. You would not build a building without careful planning, and you would not want to do a lot of dental work without planning.
Your plan starts with an exam that screens for oral cancer and assesses the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, as well as the condition of each tooth. Bone and gum health are determined by a periodontal exam that includes measuring the gum tissue pockets, examining the mobility of each tooth and assessing gum inflammation caused by bacteria.
The dentist chooses the best kind of X-ray needed in order to diagnose anything that is not showing up in the mouth. Sometimes a CT or MRI needs to be done to examine the joint health.
Mounted model copies of your teeth are used on an articulator, a device that resembles the jaw. Digital pictures are taken to spot any problems that need to be addressed. Imaging is done to plan your smile.
All this information allows the dentist to prepare treatment options to address your needs and wants.
Once you have chosen a treatment, your dentist will create your unique plan before getting started in the mouth. The more planning that happens before care begins, the easier the treatment will be.
