Diagnostic Records

Diagnostic records are taken after Dr. Cindy or Dr. Sam performs the initial examination. These records include the following procedures:

• Panoramic Radiograph -This x-ray is a panoramic picture of the entire mouth, which helps to evaluate the position of both erupted and unerupted teeth, missing or extra teeth, the general condition of bone and supporting tissue, and the general condition of the teeth. (This x-ray is often taken before the initial consultation.)
• Cephalometric Radiograph –This x-ray shows a lateral (side) picture of the head, which helps to evaluate the position of the jaws. The picture illustrates the outline of the nose, lips and chin and shows how the upper and lower jaws relate to each other and how the front teeth relate to the jaws.
• Facial Photographs -These pictures consist of a frontal relaxed and smiling face, as well as a lateral profile of the face. They help evaluate facial balance and soft tissue contours (the nose, lips and chin).
• Intraoral Photographs -These pictures consist of different angles of the teeth to show appearance and condition of the enamel and gingival tissues as well as tooth position.
• Alginate impressions - These are madde of upper and lower teeth so that plaster models of the teeth can be made and studied.