diagnostic records
In the majority of cases, it is necessary to supplement the information gained clinically with further diagnostic information. This is usually in the form of Xrays, photos and diagnostic study casts. If the patient does not already have these records they can be taken in our office.
x-rays (radiographs)
Accurate intraoral radiographs can help evaluate parts of the mouth not able to be properly evaluated clinically, such as between the teeth, under the gums, in and around the roots and in the actual jaw bones. They can identify:
- Impacted teeth, retained roots, cysts, bone cancer
- Degree of bone loss
- Root length, curvature and form
- Infection at the root ends (eg abscesses in the bone)
- Diseases of gum (periodontal) ligament and surrounding bone
- Decay (caries) between the teeth and under the gums
- Calcified buidup (calculus) under the gums
- Pulp chamber and root canals
- Depth and extent of existing restorations
An OPG or CT scan may also be required to evaluate areas for implants. This would be referred out to a radiologist, with a radiographic guide if necessary (to relate the proposed tooth position to the bone beneath). Modern CT scans expose the patient to about the same radiation as a flight from Sydney to Alice Springs. An OPG involves even less radiation.
photographsPhotographs are particularly valuable for assessing aesthetic problems and they provide the best record of how things looked at the beginning of treatment. Before and after photos are a great way for the prosthodontist and the patient to compare the results of their treatment.
diagnostic casts
High quality dagnostic study casts are an accurate model of the teeth themselves, the way they bite together and, when specially trimmed, can also reflect the patient's horizontal and vertical facial landmarks. They also provide baseline data for future comparison (for instance if teeth are slowly wearing over time – we can compare to get an objective assessment of the rate of wear). If patients are ever in an accident, they will always have a record to use as a basis for future reconstruction. After the planning phase is over, we encourage our patients to value these highly and carefully store them long term.