Patient Consultation
What to expect from a Patient Consultation?
- A thirty minute painless appointment
Generally, patient consultation is conducted during a thirty minute appointment.
All new patients should arrive 15 minutes prior to the appointment time to fill in personal details, medical aid information and medical history.
The Dentist, Oral Hygienist or Dental Assistant will meet you in our well appointed waiting room.
Who performs the Patient Consultation?
- An Oral Hygienist or Dentist
You will then be taken to the dental surgery room where the Oral Hygienist or Dentist will inspect your teeth, gums and tissues.
Digital Radiographs X-Rays will be taken if necessary to thoroughly investigate hidden decay under the tooth surface, or in-between teeth or under old fillings.
Soft tissue will also be examined and the patient will be referred to a specialist should any abnormalities be observed.
Often a second opinion is conducted by the consulting dentist.
What are the outcomes of a Patient Consultation?
- Teeth Charting & History, and a Treatment Plan
Teeth and fillings are counted and charted on your patient records.
Relevant medical history will be discussed, for example, pregnancy, diabetes, medication being taken, etc.
• Diabetes – Diabetics have a higher chance of gum inflammation (gingivitis) and gum disease (periodontal disease) because the gums become more sensitive to plaque.
• Epilepsy – Epileptics will usually take medication and have a higher risk of gum enlargement (gingival hyperplasia) and higher risk of decay.
• Pregnancy – Pregnant women are more susceptible to bleeding, red, swollen and sometimes painful gums (known as pregnancy gingivitis).
After the examination, we will, if necessary, provide you with a treatment plan and a quote detailing the costs and various options for treatment.
Scaling and Polishing (Teeth Cleaning) |
Fillings |
Root Canal Treatment |
Tooth Whitening |