THE DIAGNOSTIC PROCESSIntra-oral Examination

Gingiva is examined for signs of inflammation by studying the following features: color, contour, consistency, surface texture, size, position, pus, bleeding on probing & pocket formation.

If pocket formation is noted, William’s graduated probe is used to measure pocket depth on all the four aspects of the tooth.

Various indices (‘Gingival Index’, ‘Periodontal Index’) can also be used to assess the health of the periodontium in a more objective manner.

Periodontium:

THE DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS

THE DIAGNOSTIC PROCESSIntra-oral Examination

~ Labial mucosa & vermilion border (upper & lower)~ Buccal mucosa (right & left; opening of parotid duct

& assessment of salivary flow, viscosity)~ Vestibular mucosa (upper & lower; right & left)~ Palatal mucosa (hard & soft palate)~ Lingual mucosa (examination of tongue: dorsal,

ventral & lateral surfaces; size; papillae; movement; frenal attachment; and palpation & taste acuity )

~ Floor of the mouth mucosa (including openings of the submandibular ducts & assessment of salivary flow, viscosity)

Examination of an ulcer:

Inspection# Site, size, shape, number# Borders# Edges# Floor# Surrounding mucosa

Palpation# Tenderness# Base# Fixity to underlying tissue# Bleeding

Oral Mucous Membrane: examined region wise

THE DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS

Examination of Oral Mucous Membrane

THE DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS

Examination of Oral Mucous Membrane

THE DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS

Examination of Oral Mucous Membrane

THE DIAGNOSTIC PROCESSIntra-oral Examination

All the observations regarding this area, madeduring the examination so far, are first compiled.Any further observations - not made earlier - arethen noted down.

All the observations regarding the area of chiefcomplaint - thus compiled under this heading - arecoupled with the history of the chief complaint tolead the clinician to provisional diagnosis of thechief complaint.

Detailed examination of the area of chief complaint:

THE DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS

II. Examination

A. General

B. Extra-oral

C. Intra-oral :

1. Teeth & Periodontium

2. Oral Mucous Membrane

3. Detailed examination of area of chief complaint