The Complete Examination: The 12 Steps Needed to Perform a Complete Exam

Abstract

The complete examination is by far the most underrated and overlooked procedure in dentistry. Throughout the last several decades, dentistry has evolved through advances in technology, materials, and techniques. These advances are primarily beneficial to both the dentist and patient. However, they are limited to clinical procedures that involve restoring teeth and/or treating periodontal disease. Regardless of the advances mentioned above, the fundamentals of performing a complete examination have been underestimated. I can also attest to this fact in my own practice. Before I began this journey, my examinations were approximately 10 min in duration, and were only completed after the patient had radiographs and professional cleaning completed by the hygienist. The focus of this examination was primarily based on observing bacteria associated with dental decay and periodontal disease. As a result, treatment plans were created based on issues related to both bacteria (dental decay and periodontal disease) and tooth structure (open margins, cracks, etc.). This is sometimes called tooth by tooth dentistry. In other words, all the focus is only on just repairing compromised teeth, and nothing else.

“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity;An optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”

Winston Churchill