 DSI: Dental Scene Investigation
By Brian Beirl
D.D.S.
The comprehensive
dental evaluation, that is the hallmark of a thriving dental
practice, has much in common with the investigative method
that is demonstrated in the very popular, CSI TV series.
Let’s look at the similarities:
Taking the time and attention to detail:
A comprehensive dental evaluation takes time. Much is learned
by a relaxed pre-examination interview. You can think of
yourself as a witness to your past dentistry, discussing your
expectations and voicing any concerns that you may have. This
information can be of tremendous help to your dentist, looking
for the best way to help you address your concerns.
Your dentist will combine this (pre-clinical) information with
a meticulous and thorough examination of the present condition
of your entire oral condition. This evaluation involves much
more than your teeth. A thorough examination involves the head
and neck muscles, jaw joints along with gum tissues and
supporting bone. All these areas hold clues that aid your
dentist in predicting future problems. Specific head and neck
muscles may sore or may asymmetrical in size. Your jaw joints
may be not in harmony with your occlusion (bite) that may
result in clicking, popping or grating that you may or may not
be aware. The gum tissue and supporting bone may show signs of
pocketing, recession or irregularities that may lead to more
significant future problems. The teeth are like fingerprints
that may show signs of wear, mobility or drifting that may
lead to future continued breakdown. Think of your dentist as a
type of detective that is gathering as much information as
possible to insure that any dental recommendations will be
appropriate to your specific dental needs.
Gathering the Evidence
The investigators of CSI gather as much information as
possible from the scene so that they can analyze the
information at a later time. Your dentist and their staff are
similar in that they use x-ray and other imaging, photography,
jaw measurements, and molds of your teeth to best insure that
they may evaluate your present dental condition and develop
recommendations. Also they can use this information to
(re-enact) what has happened, is happening and what will
happen to your dental health.
Re-enactment
One of the greatest differences in a Pankey trained office and
other dental experiences that you may have encountered is that
the Pankey trained dentist will utilize all the information
gathered to, in essence, (re-enact) how your dental condition
came to it’s present state. . In CSI they use all their
evidence to re-enact the crime. Your dentist can not only
re-enact what happened but can predictably create ways so that
future problems will not develop. By the use of diagnostic
study casts, ( the molds of your teeth) your dentist not only
can analyze the cause and effect relationship of your dental
condition, but can pre-perform future dentistry on your models
to see what will work
Highly skilled team of professionals
One of the strongest correlations in the CSI- DSI analogy is
the concept of a team of highly skilled individuals combining
their talents to arrive at a solution. This is not limited to
the dental staff that assists the dentist, but also a team of
specialists that aid your dentist in creating an appropriate
plan. You may be asked to visit a dental specialist for a more
in depth analysis concerning implants, root canals or possibly
orthodontics. Your dentist communicates with these
specialists, combines and analyzes all the information to
insure the best and most predictable result for your dental
wants and needs.
Training and Technology
Is there any doubt that the television CSI team is highly
trained in the latest in detective skills? Your dentist and
staff have made a commitment to continual training in the
areas of proven scientific dental diagnosis, dependable
technology, and treatment techniques. As a Pankey trained
dentist, you can be assured that this office will continue to
keep abreast of future changes in dentistry to benefit, you,
the patient.
Patience
It can be frustrating for a patient when the dentist does not
have an immediate solution for their dental concerns. However,
a premature treatment decision can result in poor long term
results and possible over-treatment. When gathering and
analyzing the (dental evidence), the dentist must be
methodical and consider all the possible factors, both
dentally related and personalized to the temperament,
circumstances and objectives of the patient. Only when all
these factors are considered, the appropriate treatment plan
(solution) can be discussed. The CSI team is careful not to
rush to judgment. Expect the same from your dental team.
Your DSI team is ready to assist you!
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