The examination before any dental treatment is the basis for a correct diagnosis and a safe treatment plan. Even if a patient comes in about a single tooth, the overall condition of the mouth needs to be assessed.
Why is an examination needed?
- Correct diagnosis: The source of the pain is not always the tooth that hurts.
- Spotting hidden problems: Decay between teeth, infection at the root tip or gum disease often cause no symptoms.
- Safe treatment: General health, medications and allergies affect some treatments.
- Treatment order: If there are several problems, the order of treatment is planned.
- Information and consent: Being informed about treatment options, risks and alternatives is the patient's right.
What happens at the first examination?
- Taking your concerns and health history
- Examining the teeth, gums, soft tissues and jaw joint
- Taking X-rays if needed
- Explaining the findings and discussing treatment options
An orthodontic assessment also looks at the bite, jaw relationship and facial profile; for details see our first orthodontic examination page.
What does “first examination only” mean?
This phrase, which appears in booking systems, insurance or institutional agreements and information notes, means the stated scope covers only the first assessment consultation. In other words:
- additional records such as X-rays or intraoral scans,
- treatments carried out after the examination,
- follow-up appointments
may fall outside this scope. Asking what the examination includes when booking avoids confusion later.
Does an examination always lead to treatment?
No. Some examinations end with a recommendation to monitor only. Especially in children and orthodontic assessments, it may be necessary to wait for the right time to start treatment.
When coming to your examination
- Bring any recent X-rays you have.
- Prepare a list of the medications you take.
- Write down the questions you want to ask.
- For a child's examination, tell your child about it in advance and describe it in positive terms.
