Diagnostic services in our dental practice can be divided into the following groups:
Exams: The foundation for any diagnosis, treatment plans or procedures.
Comprehensive: This is for new patients or established patients who have had changes in health conditions or who haven’t had a full exam in 1-3 years. Dr. Gotun thoroughly evaluates the teeth and the hard and soft tissues of the mouth. He also assesses the patient’s dental and medical history and overall health. Cavities, missing or unerupted teeth are charted. Periodontal (gum disease) conditions are noted. Dr. Gotun always screens for cancer visually and by touch. If he sees any suspicious areas in the mouth or the soft tissues, he will inform you, photograph the area, and let you know what steps to take next. This exam also includes a full mouth set of x-rays (18 x-rays), jaw measurements, impressions, and intraoral photos, as well as a treatment plan and a private post-exam consultation with Dr. Gotun.
Periodic: This type of examination is common for routine cleanings. Dr. Gotun performs a visual check-up of every patient every time they are in the dental chair to see if there are any causes for concern, or with returning patients, if there have been any changes since the previous exam or appointment.
Limited: This type of examination is often performed during emergency visits. Dr. Gotun evaluates a specific oral health problem or complaint, such as a toothache, and focuses on diagnosis and treatment of that problem. It often requires some x-rays.
What about radiation exposure?
In order to have accurate, adequate information that enables us to treat you as effectively as possible, we take multiple x-rays and if nesessary require a CBCT scan. As some people are concerned about the radiation from x-rays, here are some facts for your consideration.
If you think you may be pregnant, please make sure you let us know and as an additional precaution we will not take x-rays.
While most medical professionals are in concensus that the exposure to radiation should be minimized for everyone, the consequences of neglecting your oral health are much more serious. No true diagnostics can be done without some type of x-ray or CBCT. The amount of radiation you’re exposed to when taking x-rays varies by the type of x-ray or scan and here is a table that demonstrates the various amounts of exposure.
