Every treatment, whether it is simple and routine or complicated and multistage, requires a detailed diagnostic process. A patient who comes to see a doctor at the Dorotowska Dental Clinic for the first time completes a survey concerning general health, healthy and harmful habits and a detailed dental questionnaire. This information allows the doctor to determine any factors that may affect oral health.
During the first visit, the patient can describe his complaints in detail, as well as his expectations and dreams regarding a beautiful and healthy smile. The doctor adds to the information obtained from the patient with a detailed physical examination. This includes the assessment of all areas of the head and neck, with particular emphasis on the oral cavity, temporomandibular joints, muscles of the masticatory system and other adjacent structures. In the end, the teeth and the occlusal conditions, i.e. the contact between teeth are assessed.
In order to complete the clinical picture, a standard procedure is to perform and evaluate an X-ray - in most cases it is an orthopantomogram, but in selected situations it is recommended to take a 3D image – cone beam computed tomography. On the basis of all the information acquired, the doctor establishes a preliminary treatment plan. The procedure thus prepared is then consulted with the other team doctors who specialize in the given field. This consultation is aimed at verifying the proposed treatment and choosing the most optimal path.
Such a carefully prepared plan is discussed in detail with the patient - each step mentioned is accurately described in order to dispel any doubts that may arise. There are situations in which there are several solutions to a given problem - then the treatment plan consists of separate alternatives, specifying the advantages and disadvantages of a given solution. A patient so informed, can consciously and with full understanding decide on a given treatment.