|
HOME
INTRODUCTION
PHILOSOPHY
INSURANCE
NIH
ACCIDENT
LIFESTYLE
C. V.
FIRST VISIT
MAP
WANT TO LEARN
MORE?
| |
YOUR FIRST VISIT.
The diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular
disorders can be a very difficult and confusing task. Presently, there are
approximately one-hundred and forty-five different illnesses and diseases that
must be considered, and ruled in or ruled out, to make a complete
diagnosis. A very thorough examination is the correct way to begin.
When you arrive, you will be asked to complete a very detailed past medical and
dental history. You will be given the opportunity to list all of the
history of your present pain condition, and all of your past medical
history. You will be asked to explain in detail exactly how, where and
when you hurt, and to give me any other information that you feel may be
helpful. You will also be asked to complete a questionnaire that has been
approved by the American Dental Association for use in the evaluation and
diagnosis of TMD.
When all of this information is complete, you and I will sit down in my office
and completely review what you have written. I will ask questions to fill
in the details. I have found over the years, that if I listen first, I can
treat better and faster. This review of history may take from fifteen to
forty-five minutes.
Following our initial review of your past history, you will be seated in one of
our examination rooms. Your examination will start with my physical
evaluation which will include a thorough examination of the muscles of your head
and neck, a cranial nerve screening examination, range of motion studies of your
neck and jaw, left and right temporomandibular joint palpations and a complete
intraoral (dental) evaluation. Upon completion of this examination, I will use the
information gathered from this initial examination and the history review to
order any additional tests and radiographs that are necessary to fill in the
gaps and complete the diagnostic picture. Often, these additional tests
can be completed at the same visit, or they can be completed at a subsequent
visit if you prefer. Cindy, in my front office, will be happy to answer
any questions concerning the expected cost of this visit, and medical or dental
insurance re-imbursement.
Once
we have completed our study of your examination findings and made a diagnosis,
we will sit down again and discuss my findings and recommendations. I will
review my recommendations and give you an opportunity to ask any questions that
you may have. Following your acceptance of the proposed
treatment recommendations, we will begin at that time. If you prefer some
time to think about our discussions, that's OK too. When you are ready, we
can begin treatment at a subsequent visit.
NEXT
PAGE
|