When you visit a dentist, there is a routine checkup involving teeth cleansing, flossing and X-ray if necessary. The dentist will go through the entire oral checkup to see if everything is healthy and fine. If any treatments are necessary, the dentist will move forward accordingly. Make sure that your dentist prepares a dental chart for you because that makes it easier to get the check ups done and go through things. If your dental professional is not doing this, then make sure to find a new one who will because dental charting is essential. Here is everything that you need to know about the things in dental charting:
What is a periodontal chart?
A gum chart or periodontal chart is one which helps in documenting the health of the gums, and there are the following things that the dentist does in order to make this chart:
- They count the number of teeth a patient has and numbers each one on the chart so that it becomes easier to check it.
- The dentist examines the teeth very closely in order to see if there are any movements, bleeding gums, missing teeth, signs of decay, cavities and much more.
- The dentist also measures the gaps between the gums and the teeth in order to see certain things.
- There are all the potential problems listed in the chart, which require tooth positioning and all.
All of this is done when the patient is visiting the clinic for the first time and getting the checkup done with a new dentist. The dentist will go through every little thing in order to make sure that the teeth are healthy and if any treatments are needed, then what kind of them. When the chart is created initially, then the dentist will see if there are any treatments required; if not, then the dentist will go to make a brief examination of the teeth and gums so that the updates can be added for the next visit.
Condition of gums
Another thing which is big when it comes to dental charting is the record of the condition of the gums. The dentist will examine all the teeth and will create a chart which will have the height and gap in between any gum or teeth. These are then recorded in the periodontal chart, and the dentist makes sure to see if there are any gum diseases present. The main thing is to check if the gums are healthy because if not, then the problem needs to be addressed with early detention through the help of periodic charting. Do not panic if your gum starts to bleed but make sure you address the problem with your dentist so that treatments are given accordingly.
Value of charting
When the dentist examines your teeth, they look over the gum chart to get an idea about any issue that exists. This helps in understanding the overall oral health through which the dentist then normally evaluates the issues.
Conclusion
Every routine check will have gum charting available, and the procedures involve a few checkups. The hygienist usually makes gum charts, and then they proceed with the cleaning. Charting is very important when it comes to keeping track of progress and overall health. The chart will have each and every detail related to oral hygiene, which is also important considering health.
