Observing hard + soft tissues

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

carried out at each dental exam in systematic manner, or risk that areas are missed out or lesions remain uninvestigated. ‘nothing abnormal diagnosed’ NAD if something doesnt require recording. Soft tissue assessment sheet to be completed, the areas to be checked are:

Question 2

Labial, buccal, sulcus mucosa

Answer 2

check colour, texture, presence of white or red patches, moisture level

Question 3

Palatal mucosa

Answer 3

both hard + soft tissue palates, the oropharynx + tonsils if present

Question 4

Tongue

Answer 4

check colour, texture, symmetry of shape + movement, level of mobility, all surfaces checked especially beneath as common site for oral carcinoma to develop

Question 5

Floor of mouth

Answer 5

check colour, texture, white/red patches + any swellings

Question 6

The presence of a lesion

Answer 6

will be marked on sheet + relevant measurements noted as well as additional information of colour and lack of moisture

Question 7

Use; mouth mirror

Answer 7

reflect light on hard + soft surfaces, to retract soft tissues + protect them for clear vision

Question 8

Use; angled probe

Answer 8

to detect soft tooth surfaces + margins on existing restorations

Question 9

Use; tweezers

Answer 9

hold cotton wool pledgets to wipe tooth surface dry or place cotton wool rolls

Question 10

Use; moisture control items

Answer 10

cotton wool roll + pledgets

Question 11

Use; Briault probe

Answer 11

two ended probe to detect interproximal caries, either mesially or distally.
+soft tissue assessment sheet

Question 12

Low moisture levels

Answer 12

indicate problems with functioning of salivary glands, such as sjogren’s syndrome or xerostomia (dry mouth) age related changes to the glands or side effect of medication.

Question 13

Saliva

Answer 13

important functions with regard to defence, cleansing, + dental disease initiation.