Treatment planning in dentistry is much more than scheduling an appointment. Whether you’re suffering from a broken tooth, misalignment, infected pulp, or other dental issues, every procedure requires a detailed plan, both for the sake of the patient and the dentist. A methodical approach creates a clear goal with achievable steps. So what should you expect next time you need more than a routine cleaning?
Treatment Planning in Dentistry
Before starting with the patient’s treatment, a dentist will prepare a dental treatment plan. This is a comprehensive document that contains all the information both the patient and dentist will need for the treatment plan. Once the dentist has gone over the document with the patient, both will sign it to show they approve of the treatment plan.
Diagnosis
First, the document will outline the patient’s primary dental concerns and a detailed description of their diagnosis. This section will include any supporting tests, such as X-rays, as well as any other existing dental issues.
Goals
This section covers the treatment goals. This can include both short and long-term health and aesthetic improvements.
Treatment Options
Here, the dentist will cover your treatment options. If possible, they’ll provide several to choose from, but there will always be a recommended treatment. The plan will go into detail about the recommended treatment’s phases and what each entails, as well as an estimated duration. There will also be a cost estimate for each procedure, insurance information, and payment options.
Follow-Up
Finally, the dentist will provide information on follow-up visits and outline techniques for at-home care and maintenance. They’ll also list any prescribed medications, along with instructions on how much and how often to take them.
Phases of a Dental Treatment Plan
A typical dental treatment plan often involves several phases to address the patient's oral health needs comprehensively. The specific phases may vary depending on the individual's condition and the recommended treatment. Here are the common phases you might find in a dental treatment plan:
Assessment Phase
First, the dentist will examine your mouth, teeth, and gums to assess the overall damage. This includes a visual examination, an overview of your dental history, and X-rays. The dentist will often use this time to perform a professional cleaning as well.
Once the dentist has examined you and diagnosed any issues, they’ll begin planning your dental treatment. This is where they’ll create the dental treatment plan discussed earlier.
Urgent Phase
The urgent phase, sometimes called the acute phase, addresses immediate concerns. This includes fractured teeth, severe dental pain, or other serious issues. The dentist will tend to these before developing a treatment plan in order to minimize pain and stress in the patient. If they cannot be immediately addressed, they will be the first thing taken care of during the treatment plan. Alternatively, if there are no severe dental issues, the dentist will skip this phase.
Control Phase
The control phase is often the longest of the dental treatment planning phases. During this phase, the dentist works to control any current issues so that they don’t progress. This can include periodontal treatments, oral surgery to reshape supporting bones or extract teeth, implants, and endodontics (which involves the dental pulp inside your teeth).
Re-Evaluation Phase
During the re-evaluation phase, the dentist will assess your mouth again to make sure that the immediate issues are taken care of. If they are, the treatment can proceed to the next phase; if not, the dentist will need to perform further corrections and disease control.
Definitive Phase
After the re-evaluation, the dentist will proceed with any corrective or reparative care. This phase focuses on aesthetics and optimal dental function and can include crown lengthening and periodontal plastic surgery.
Maintenance Phase
The final phase centers around maintaining the patient’s dental health. The dentist will tell you how to best care for your teeth and any potential dental appliances, such as braces or retainers. They’ll also help you schedule follow-up appointments for adjustments, cleanings, and re-evaluation.
Plan a Brighter Smile with Sleep Dentistry
At Sleep Dentistry, we know that a dental treatment of any length can be daunting. With the expertise of Dr. Kevin Mahoney, the only licensed dental anesthesiologist in Erie, PA, we can ensure that you sleep through your procedures pain-free. Contact Sleep Dentistry and schedule your appointment today.