Oral Diagnosis

Oral diagnosis is an important component in the practice of dentistry and it contributes significantly to the overall treatment process for optimal oral health. Oral diagnosis is a way of identifying disease at its earliest stage and it serves as the basis for all dental treatment plans. Oral diagnosis involves taking a thorough medical history, doing a physical examination through use of special diagnostic tools, and ordering and interpreting other diagnostic results. Furthermore, dental professionals have to consider the effects of both systemic and local factors on oral diseases and conditions. A thorough medical history is required to detect any medical or family history that can be linked to oral health conditions. Physical examination is conducted and sometimes microscopic examination is done to aid in identification of disease processes at the cellular level. Special diagnostic tools such as X-rays, patho-morphologic lab tests, and other radiographic procedures could also be used to detect pathogenic bacteria in the mouth and to monitor the metabolic activities in the oral environment. Treatment decisions are based on the findings of the oral diagnosis. The aim of the treatment is to restore, maintain, or improve the patient’s overall health. The treatment plan could include functional, esthetic, and preventive interventions. Oral diagnosis is the cornerstone of all dental procedures and it enables the clinician to maintain the patient’s oral health in the best possible conditions. It is important for practitioners to continue updating their skill and knowledge in oral diagnosis to adhere with the current standard of care. The accurate diagnosis of oral health will reduce the risks of complications during treatment and it will also help in providing an optimal outcome for the patient.