Oral Examination and Diagnosis

Clinically, oral diagnosis is a seven-part interactive process of history, whole body physical examination, facial exam, initial oral survey, pre-anesthesia diagnostic testing, in-depth oral examination, and oral diagnostic testing. The initial oral survey is generally performed in the exam room following the physical examination, but normally without the aid of sedation or anesthesia. The pre-anesthesia diagnostic testing is performed in order to reduce the risk of pathological and physiological complications during or following induction. Once available information has been correlated, the in-depth oral examination can begin. A complete in-depth oral examination can only properly be performed on an intubated patient under general anesthesia. Dental charting provides a graphic report of the patient's teeth and mouth. Charting provides a place to record examination findings in order to develop an accurate and comprehensive treatment plan, as well as a thorough record of past treatments.