A form to aid in the clinical examination of a traumatized anterior tooth
ROBERT B. CALDWELL, D.D.S.
The frantic pace of an emergency appointment to treat a fractured anterior tooth can be stressful for all involved. An orderly consideration of the history, symptoms, signs and radiographic findings associated with the traumatized tooth will enhance the clinician’s ability to provide a thorough examination, an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.
Having a defined diagnostic plan for examining a fractured anterior tooth is an essential first step in providing appropriate treatment. Using a printed form with examination response multiple choices, the clinician can focus on many aspects of the diagnostic phase of dental treatment (Figure
). Expanded notes involving any item on the checklist can be recorded on the back of the record form.
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Figure. The multiple-choice examination record form can aid in proper treatment of patients with dental emergencies.
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The use of a clinical form during the initial examination and follow-up visits can be a valuable aid to effectiveness and efficiency.
The use of a clinical form during the initial examination and follow-up visits can be a valuable aid to effectiveness and efficiency. The form serves as a guide for the examination and a record of the findings. This recorded information can be helpful for future reference and for reporting dental insurance claims.
This clinical examination form can be filed with your dental office forms for future use. For little expense, enough forms can be copied to last for several years. The savings in time and thoroughness of treatment benefit both the patient and the dentist.
DO YOU HAVE A TIP TO SHARE?
Do you have a time- or work-saving clinical technique to share with your colleagues? Submit it to JADA’s Clinical Directions department. A Clinical Directions item should be a maximum of two double-spaced typed pages and should include no more than one figure or illustration. Submit five copies of your manuscript and of each illustration to Clinical Directions, The Journal of the American Dental Association, Editorial Office, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine, The Robert Schattner Center, 240 S. 40th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19104-6030.
FOOTNOTES
Dr. Caldwell is in private practice in general dentistry, 606 West Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, Mich. 48103. Address reprint requests to Dr. Caldwell.
