Diagnosis
Dental diagnosis is the process of determining the cause of a patient’s dental symptoms. It involves taking a patient’s medical and dental history, performing a physical exam, and possibly ordering additional tests. The diagnosis is then used to determine the best course of treatment for the patient. During the dental diagnosis process, the dentist will look for signs of disease, decay, or injury to the teeth, gums, and other structures of the mouth. They may also assess the condition of existing restorations, such as fillings, crowns, and bridges. The dentist may also take radiographs (x-rays) to evaluate the health of the tooth structure and supporting tissues, and may take laboratory tests to diagnose systemic diseases that may affect the mouth. After the diagnosis has been made, the dentist will discuss the findings with the patient and determine the best plan of treatment.