The following will be done during your  10 POINT INITIAL EVALUATION

1. Review your medical and dental history; Clarifying your concerns, wants and expectations and/or problems

2. Oral cancer examination

3. Tooth examination to check for decay, cracks, wear etc.

4.     Periodontal Examination
Measuring all gum crevices to check for hidden gum disease
Condition (quality, quantity and recession level) of gum tissue
Measurement of mobility or looseness, another sign of problems
Are fillings or crowns causing gum irritation?    

5.      Temporomandibular joint orthopedic examination
Palpation (pressing with finger tips) to check for inflammation
Range of motion tests to check jaw movements
Listening with ultrasound to check for clicks or grating
Orthopedic load testing to check TMJ disc

6.      Muscle examination (sore muscles can be a cause of headaches and jaw fatigue)
Palpation (pressing) of all muscle groups both within and outside the   mouth for any signs of discomfort or tension        

7.      Occlusal (bite) examination (bite problems can be a cause dental failures)
Check if all teeth touch equally (engineering check)
Check how teeth meet when jaw moves in all directions       

8.      Radiographs
Full mouth series, 20 views, to show decay, infection, bone condition
Panoramic showing entire upper and lower jaw and TMJs       

9.      Diagnostic study casts (models of your mouth)
Two sets, one is a baseline, the other for 3D planning /?blueprinting?
Measurement to customize models for jaw simulator
Measurement for how teeth bite together        

10.      Photographs to evaluate esthetics and condition of teeth and gums   (diagnosis)

      After  your examination, Dr. Tarantola will:
Evaluate and study all the above information
Consult with any specialists, if indicated
Make a specific diagnosis for your current condition
Design a blueprint for your care with the diagnostic casts
Develop an individualized long-term treatment program and sequence 

      At your consultation appointment, you and Dr. Tarantola will:
Review all findings
Discuss your treatment recommendations and sequence
Give you a customized written report
Discuss all fees
Answer all questions to your satisfaction and understanding