COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION

Dr. Barakat prefers and recommends every patient have a comprehensive exam in order to fully assess your oral health.

A comprehensive exam allows Dr. Barakat to gather all the necessary information to provide you with an in depth analysis of your oral health. He will then discuss your treatment needs in terms of short and long term planning, to help you keep your teeth for your lifetime and maximize your oral health.

As part of a comprehensive exam, he will gather information regarding your dental and medical history. Your participation during the examination assists in understanding your expectations as well as to answer any questions or address any concerns (including cosmetic). The information gathering is very thorough, and includes a complete head and neck exam, an oral cancer screening, as well as a detailed examination of the soft tissues and hard tissues inside your oral cavity.

Dr. Barakat will then recommend any necessary radiographs (x-rays) as a benchmark to assist in documenting and diagnosing your oral health. The x-rays are also referred to in future as a point of comparison to see any rate of change. The practice is equipped with digital x-rays, which are of benefit due to the decrease in radiation exposure to you, the patient.

As more adults today are at risk of tooth loss due to periodontal (gum) disease we are also very focused on providing a clear diagnosis, advising you on our best recommendations for your oral hygiene care. If periodontal disease is diagnosed, with your help, we can stop any bone loss progression.

At the end of the exam, Dr. Barakat will be able to inform you of any problems in your mouth, throat and neck, including the oral manifestations of diseases, oral cancer, infections, the early signs of gum or periodontal disease, eroded fillings and dental decay. You will have treatment alternatives explained. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary information to make an informed choice based on conservative, long lasting quality dental care.

A comprehensive exam is the first step to achieving the objective of a lifetime of optimal oral health.

Your confidence in our care is appreciated.