Dental charting is a procedure in which your dental health physician assesses, lists and prescribes the health condition of your gums and teeth. Periodontal charting is part of dental charting and it refers to the six different measurements taken around each tooth. Charting is a graphic method for organizing and presenting information about your dental health and is usually done during routine dental checkups. After the procedure is done, an expert dentist such as Dr. Kavitha Gowda, will give recommendations based on the results, on how best to take care of your oral health. It’s best to incorporate this advice.
Preparing the Dental Chart
The dental chart is a perfect way for recording and organizing all the important aspects of your dental health. This makes it easier for the dentists to later access this information in one place if they need to make references. The dentist who conducts the checkup prepares the information in the dental chart. Every time you come in for a checkup, the dentist will update the chart, thereby tracking the progress of your oral health.
He or she will investigate all areas of your mouth, getting pertinent information and noting down on the chart any important aspects that need to be recorded. The dental chart can take a variety of forms. It could be a pictorial or graphical representation of your mouth. It includes every tooth, and has enough space to allow the dentist to jot down shorthand notes about your oral condition. Examples of conditions that may be described include cavities, depth of the gum pockets, gum recession, bleeding points when probed, abnormalities in your teeth, damage, and any notable teeth movements among others.
Going for The Checkup
During the first visit, the hygienist will conduct a complete dental chart of your mouth. Future visits will be limited to brief checks to update the chart and identify any new problems. The dentist begins by counting the number of teeth you have, and comparing it to the chart. He or she will then examine each tooth, noting down any issues on the chart and addressing them individually. There are normally six readings per tooth. The dentist will use an instrument to check the top of the teeth and probe each gum to check the depth of the gum pockets.
After the charting procedure is complete, the dentist will proceed to clean your teeth, after which they will conduct a general examination of other parts of the mouth. Any notable concerns marked on the chart sheet will be investigated further. After the checkup and charting, the dentist will inform you what to do, and highlight any areas of concerns they have noted. They will recommend best practices to help provide proper care for your teeth and gums.
Benefits of Dental Charting
There are numerous benefits that come with dental charting. Dental charting allows the dentist to keep a good record of your oral issues, which creates an opportunity to identify issues and patterns quickly before they become severe. The dentist is able to treat any issues and give you the best care possible since they can track your progress. The chart creates a point of reference, allowing both you and the dentist to assess whether your home care practices are working or not. If there are any issues that require specialized treatment by another specialist, the dental chart creates a picture of your oral condition and helps the referred specialist understand the issue properly.