Our Process

When patients come to our clinic for a consultation regarding their treatment options, we often require various types of clinical information to help us make the best decision.  This starts with any relevant information from the referring dentist, such as the reason for the referral, the site of interest, and any dental history relevant to the area of interest. Sometimes people present with complex medical histories which may have an impact on treatment decisions, or areas where extra care may be needed. A common example would be when patients are taking medications such as blood thinners following recommendations from their cardiologist.

Patients are always asked to fill out a detailed medical history form, and to let us know when things change with their general health. We then carry out a careful examination of the mouth, and the site or sites of interest. This information is then backed up by photographs and radiographs. Radiographs can be either small ones taken inside the mouth, or three-dimensional extra-oral x-rays taken on site with a wonderful new low-radiation cone beam x-ray machine.

We then try and match up the desired treatment plan from a tooth point of view with the surgical options available. This can be done using:

• Models and diagnostic wax ups

Or

• Digital scans and digital mock-ups

We can then discuss treatment options and come up with the most appropriate treatment plan to suit the patient. This work is often done by the referring dentist, and simply confirmed at the consultation stage.

Patients then leave with a clear idea of what treatment is recommended, costs involved, and time required to complete the treatment.

Process Details

Our patients usually follow the steps outlined in our specific process pages. These pages step through the various stages for the different types of treatment below.