how would you determine if the patient is healthy enough to tolerate extensive dental treatment?

What do dentists look for during an exam and treatment?

Throughout the exam and treatment, the dentist must be aware of any dental-related sequelae associated with any medical conditions, the patient’s ability to cooperate, and the patient’s home care regimen. The five major stages of treatment are briefly outlined as follows:

Why choose oral care for your complex health needs?

Another reason individuals with complex health needs pursue oral care is due to a physician’s request for dental clearance prior to cardiac or transplant surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment.

Do you need to know about oral health problems?

Your teeth and gums work hard for you your whole life. As you get older, they need a little extra attention. Even if you take good care of your teeth and gums, it's a good idea to know about oral health problems that can crop up and ways your dentist can help. Here are answers to questions you might have. 1.

How often should you go to the dentist?

It’s a good idea to visit the dentist at least once a year for a full oral exam. As you age, you might have issues but not know it. Your doctor can look for signs of oral cancer and other medical problems of the mouth, head, and neck. You also need to have dentures checked for fit, and routinely cleaned. 8.

What is an important quality that a dentist should have?

What is an important quality that a dentist should have? Being empathetic.

How can you recognize problems with oral health in the older client you are caring for?

loose or broken teeth or exposed tooth roots. oral pain or tooth sensitivity. difficulty eating and or speaking. changed behaviour and refusing to open mouth.

What health and safety issues are involved in being a dentist?

These include exposure to infections (including Human Immunodeficiency Virus and viral hepatitis); percutaneous exposure incidents, dental materials, radiation, and noise; musculoskeletal disorders; psychological problems and dermatitis; respiratory disorders; and eye insults.

What is said to be the best technique method available that can to help manage dental anxiety?

Deep relaxation or diaphragmatic breathing The most important and fundamental way of helping patients to relax physically is to teach them proper breathing techniques. Diaphragmatic breathing is a relaxed form of breathing.

What do you need to consider when providing oral health care to a patient?

An initial assessment should include clarifying with patients or carers:History of previous dental care;Previous oral problems;Patient age and other risk factors such as dentures;Current nutritional status;Current treatment and any proposed regimen, including medications, radiotherapy and surgery;More items...•

How do you do an oral health assessment?

0:004:59Oral Health Assessment - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is a video demonstration of an oral health assessment in a residential aged-care facility to doMoreThis is a video demonstration of an oral health assessment in a residential aged-care facility to do an assessment you will need a torch or a planet light a tongue depressor or a bent toothbrush.

Why is patient safety important in dentistry?

'The dental profession is committed to providing safe dental care, which is necessary for ensuring good general health, and aims to minimise risks and establish an open culture of patient safety, in which practitioners can learn from their own and others' experience.

Why is health and safety important in dentistry?

As stated above, the whole purpose of the Health and Safety legislation is to protect everyone within the dental workplace (staff, patients and visitors) from coming to any harm while on the premises. This is achieved by carrying out a risk assessment of every potential hazard that could occur.

What is risk assessment in dentistry?

risk assessment involves evaluation of the patient in light of the patient's physical status and medical health, as well as the type and extent of the planned dental procedures. in general, nonsurgical dental procedures carry less risk compared with invasive, surgical, and traumatic procedures.

How do you reassure a dental patient?

9 Ways to Reassure Patients Who Worry About Dental PainGreet Them Warmly When They Arrive. ... Listen to Their Concerns. ... Explain Everything Happening. ... Give Your Patient a Way to Communicate. ... Be Gentle As You Work. ... Keep the Conversation Going. ... Use Reassuring Body Language. ... Be Honest.More items...•

How do you handle a patient with dental anxiety?

7 Ways You Can Help Your Patients Deal with Dental AnxietyProvide Ways to Assess Dental Fear. ... Offer Pre-Treatment Sessions Whenever Possible. ... Create Good Distractions. ... Develop Trust Through Good Communication. ... Assert Professionalism. ... Create a Professional Atmosphere. ... Wear the Right Uniforms.

How do you deal with a dental patient?

1:147:36How To Deal With DIFFICULT Patients in Dentistry - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPractice is something that has helped me immensely number three another way to look at it aMorePractice is something that has helped me immensely number three another way to look at it a different angle to put yourself is in the patient's.

What is the purpose of dental operating microscope?

The dental operating microscope allows clinicians to visualize the contents of canals and endodontic access preparations better than with loupes or the naked eye, 18 and supports delicate retreatment procedures that cannot be accomplished by other means.

How many teeth are saved by endodontics?

Each year, millions of teeth with disease of the pulp and periradicular tissues are saved through endodontic treatment. Despite the high clinical success rates of nonsurgical root canal therapy, there are times when an endodontically treated tooth may exhibit posttreatment disease that requires further intervention.

What is the AAE decision guide?

The American Association of Endodontists offers a publication to help clinicians with these topics, Treatment Options for the Compromised Tooth: A Decision Guide (available at aae.org/treatmentoptions ). For most cases, the clinician needs to decide if retention of the tooth is in the patient’s best interest.

Is extraction better than replacement?

Extraction and re­placement is a viable option, but replacements for missing teeth are rarely better than an otherwise restorable natural tooth, 11 and nonreplacement usually results in unfavorable alternations in the adjacent dentition and surrounding tissues, as well as possible diminution of masticatory function.

How can dentists fill the void in dental care?

Dentists can fill the void in dental care for these individuals by making sure the office can accommodate patients with complex needs, understanding the patient’s medical and dental histories, and making modifications to dental treatment.

How to use behavioral management in pediatric dentistry?

Behavioral management techniques used in pediatric dentistry can often be applied to people with special needs , particularly on patients with intellectual disabilities. Throughout the procedure, the team should provide positive reinforcement. 18 Depending on the patient’s cognitive level, the dentist might have to repeat instructions several times. Direct observation can help patients who have not received significant dental care in the past; this involves allowing patients to watch a video or a patient directly being treated. 18 Having the patient’s caretaker pose as a patient in the dental chair, and permitting the patient to touch the chair, air-water syringes and lights can make a hesitant patient more relaxed. Patients who can communicate should be encouraged to ask questions.

What is the decision to use any type of sedation?

Providers who administer sedation need to be trained and certified according to state laws. The patient’s vitals must be monitored during the procedure, and the provider must have the appropriate life skills certification and know how to manage medical emergencies that could result from sedation. The following synopsis reviews various types of dental sedation:

What are some examples of dental anomalies?

Examples include patients with Down syndrome and congenitally missing teeth, or gingival hyperplasia caused by dilantin.

What should a receptionist do when a patient with special needs contacts the clinic?

When a patient with special needs contacts the clinic, the receptionist should ascertain as much information as possible. Typically, a patient or caregiver can describe the patient’s major medical concerns, any requested accommodations, and preferred appointment timing. The patient should be instructed to bring contact information for his or her physician (s) to the first appointment in case a medical consultation is necessary.

When does special care dentistry expire?

This course was published in the May 2019 issue and expires May 2022. The author has no commercial conflicts of interest to disclose. This 2 credit hour self-study activity is electronically ...

Do you need a dental consultation before you get a dental implant?

Medical consultations are often needed before initiating dental treatment. Sensory Impairments affect sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste. A patient who is deaf, for example, will require a sign language interpreter or communication in writing.

What to do before going to the dentist?

Before you go, write a list of all the drugs you take, include their doses and how often you take them. Over-the-counter products, herbal products, and supplements should go on the list, too. Bring this information to the dentist when you have an appointment. They will use it to make a treatment plan for you.

Why do cavities happen more often in adults?

Here’s why: Fluoride wasn’t always in water supplies and toothpaste. If you didn't get enough when you were younger, your teeth may pay the price. Old fillings are prime spots for tooth decay. As we get older, our gums tend to recede, leaving tooth roots exposed.

How to fix a tooth root that is sensitive to temperature?

This can make the area sensitive to temperature extremes. As a quick fix, use a fluoride mouth rinse, or switch to a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. If your problem is more serious, your dentist may seal or bond the roots.

Do teeth and gums work?

Your teeth and gums work hard for you your whole life. As you get older, they need a little extra attention. Even if you take good care of your teeth and gums, it's a good idea to know about oral health problems that can crop up and ways your dentist can help. Here are answers to questions you might have.

Does saliva help with decay?

You might have dry mouth. This can be a side effect of medications or a condition. Saliva does more than keep your mouth wet -- it protects teeth from decay, helps heal sores in your mouth, and prevents infections. 2.

Do older adults need dentures?

The good news is, older adults are keeping their natural teeth longer. But some people will need dentures, bridges, or another option like dental implants. These devices offer a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth.

Can a friend with dementia go to the dentist?

Communication will make the visit easier. If possible , have one of your friend's family members go with you to the appointment. They can make treatment decisions if they can't. It's best for someone with dementia to see a dentist as soon as possible after they're diagnosed.

Why do I need a dental residency?

Residency is to help gain greater experience and specialized techniques to handle more difficult/complex cases. Dental school is training in basic general dentistry so you learn the fundamental didactics and basic clinical skills (restorative, etc.). You probably will not get a ton of clinical pediatric experience in dental school since you will be seeing a wide range of patients and be exposed to a range of dentistry (Oral surgery, prosthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, operative etc.) Doing a pediatric residency will give you an opportunity to work with more children as well as more medically complex cases that might require more intensive treatment (Like in a hospital/OR). Typically you try to complete the dental procedures (restorative/fillings, cleanings, extractions) in the dental clinic. The OR is used for patients who can not tolerate the dental procedures in the dental clinic (Ex. behavior management) or if the dental treatments are so extensive that it would be better to complete all the procedures at the same time when the patient is sedated. If you are thinking of more intensive surgeries that might be more the realm of oral surgery (ex. orthrognathic surgery, certain severe trauma, etc.). I don't think you would ever go into an OR by yourself since you will always have an assistant/faculty/another healthcare provider to monitor the patient under anesthesia.#N#On call is for non-clinic hours (nights, weekends, holidays) and is for emergencies (ex. trauma or infection). In my experience you are typically trying to stabilize the patient and then will follow-up for any more complex procedures during clinic hours. (Examples: trauma to teeth so splinting and reassessing at a later appointment). Again different programs vary so it is an important to ask current residents about the program during the interview to find out more on the responsibilities of on-call and amount of hands-on experience.#N#If you are interested in pediatric dentistry and are still in undergrad I would recommend contacting your local pediatric dentists and seeing if you could arrange a time to shadow or at least interview them. It might be a little more difficult now because of the pandemic but I think this experience would be highly beneficial to you. It would help you build up your dental contacts as well as let you see the daily work of a pediatric dentist.

What is residency in dentistry?

Residency is to help gain greater experience and specialized techniques to handle more difficult/complex cases. Dental school is training in basic general dentistry so you learn the fundamental didactics and basic clinical skills (restorative, etc.).

Treatment Planning Decisions

Retreatment Procedures

Conclusion

Key Takeaways

References

Appointment Scheduling

Medical and Dental History

• Whether the first appointment is an emergency appointment or comprehensive examination, an accurate health history must be obtained before treatment. In conjunction with questioning the patient or caregiver, use of a health history form is recommended. The provider should determine the patient’s past and current medical conditions, along with any m...

See more on dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com

Sedation

Wheelchairs

Patient Management

Protective Stabilization

Treatment Planning

Self-Care

Conclusion

References