Intra oral examinations Flashcards
1
Q
Discuss the rationale for conducting an intra oral examination
A
- Provides general information about the oral health status of the patient
- Alerts the clinician to early indications of some oral diseases
- Allows the clinician to detect abnormalities
- Allows potentially life-threatening malignancies to become detected at an early stage (serves as an oral cancer screening)
2
Q
List some notable findings
A
- Check for Bone Tori (below)
- Check Dental caries
- Broken restorations
- Loose crowns or bridges/implants
- Issues with dental prosthesis
3
Q
Describe methods employed by oral cancer finders
A
- It centres on a wireless, handheld scope that uses natural tissue fluorescence to enhance the way clinicians visualize oral mucosal abnormalities that might not be apparent or even visible to the naked eye
- Malignant tissues will not fluoresce the way normal tissues will
4
Q
Recognize the need for a referral to a physician or a dental specialist when findings indicate the need for further evaluation
A
- Carefully document and record the findings
- White and red lesions and non self resolving lesions should ideally be reevaluated in two weeks
- If the white or red lesions does not resolve itself in 2 weeks consult with a Dentist who may then: order/ conduct a biopsy or refer to a specialist ( Oral Medicine) for further evaluation