extra and intra oral examination

Question 1

what is involved in a general examination as soon as the patient enters the surgery?

Answer 1

examine gait, mobility, facial asymmetry, skin colouring and scars, level of anxiety may be apparent

Question 2

what is involved in an extra oral examination?

Answer 2

checking for asymmetry, lymph nodes and temporomandibular joint swelling

Question 3

what must you look for when assesing asymmetry?

Answer 3

observe neck and head, focussing in on area around jaw and face.
look for midline swelling in anterior neck - thyroid goitre
also note skin colour, lip colour and eye colour

Question 4

what must you look for when assesing lymph nodes?

Answer 4

palpate area for tenderness or enlargement.
normal are pea size and not tender
include areas around ear, base of skull, under jaw and chin, neck and above collar bone

Question 5

what must you look for when assesing temporomandibular joints?

Answer 5

place fingertips over joints with gentle pressure, noting tenderness, redness or swelling
patient asked to open/close mouth slowly several times
muscles of mastication may be palpated