Diagnostics: The Foundation Stone of Your Healthy Smile

Imagine building a house without a solid foundation. Similarly, dental treatment without an accurate diagnosis is risky and its results can be uncertain. Proper diagnostics perform several essential functions:

• Identifying the problem: It allows us to accurately determine the cause of your problems or reveal hidden diseases. We find out not only WHAT is wrong, but also WHY the problem appeared.
• Determining the extent of the problem: It helps us understand how extensive the problem is – whether it is a small cavity, inflammation limited to one tooth, or a more extensive disease affecting multiple teeth or the periodontium.
• Treatment planning: Based on the information obtained, we can draw up an individual treatment plan that will be as effective and gentle as possible. We can consider various treatment options and choose the most appropriate one for your specific situation.
• Prevention of complications: Early and accurate diagnosis helps prevent future complications that could arise from an untreated or improperly treated condition. It can prevent tooth loss, the spread of infection, or the need for more complex and expensive procedures in the future.
• Condition monitoring: Diagnostic tools allow us to track the development of the disease or the success of treatment over time.

At Dobrý Dent, we understand that each patient is unique. That is why we approach each patient individually and choose diagnostic methods tailored to their needs and specific situation. Our goal is not just to „fix your teeth“, but to ensure the comprehensive health of your oral cavity.

To ensure maximum accuracy and comprehensiveness of diagnostics, we use a wide range of modern and proven methods at our clinic in Prague 5 Anděl. The combination of these approaches provides us with the detailed information necessary for establishing the correct diagnosis and planning treatment.

1. Clinical Examination

The basis of any diagnosis is a thorough clinical examination performed by an experienced dentist. This examination includes:

• Visual inspection: Careful inspection of all teeth, gums, mucous membranes, tongue and other tissues in the oral cavity. We look for signs of decay, tooth wear, gum inflammation, changes in the mucous membranes, anomalies in the position of the teeth, and other possible problems.
• Palpation: Feeling the jaws, lymph nodes, and surrounding tissues to detect any swelling, tenderness, or other abnormalities.
• Probation: Using a special instrument (probe) to gently examine the surface of the teeth and the spaces between the tooth and the gum (periodontal trunks) to detect decay, tartar, and the depth of periodontal pockets.
• Anamnesis: Interviewing the patient about their overall health, medications, allergies, dental history, and current problems. This information is key to understanding the context and possible connections.

Our doctors at Dobrý Dent have extensive experience (the clinic has been operating since 2010) and are constantly educating themselves to be able to recognize even subtle signs of incipient problems.

2. Digital X-ray Imaging (DXI)

X-rays are an indispensable tool for displaying structures that are not visible to the naked eye. We use modern digital X-ray systems, which have a number of advantages over classic film X-rays:

• Lower radiation exposure: Digital sensors are more sensitive, which allows us to reduce the radiation dose by up to 80-90%.
• Instant display: Images are immediately available on the computer monitor, without the need to wait for the film to be developed.
• Editability: Digital images can be easily enlarged, contrast and brightness adjusted, which improves their diagnostic value.
• Easy archiving and sharing: Images are stored in the patient’s digital file and can be easily shared with other specialists if necessary.
• Environmental benefit: The use of chemicals required for film development is eliminated.

At Dobrý Dent, we use various types of X-rays examination:

• Intraoral X-ray (small images): Detailed view of individual teeth or small groups of teeth. Ideal for detecting interdental caries, problems at the roots of teeth (periapical findings) or for checking the quality of fillings and endodontic treatment.
• Panoramic X-ray (OPG): Provides a clear image of both jaws, all teeth (including unerupted ones), temporomandibular joints and cavities. Suitable for a general assessment of the condition of the teeth, planning more extensive reconstructions, wisdom tooth extractions or for a basic assessment before orthodontic treatment or implantation.

3. 3D CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography)

CBCT is a revolutionary imaging method that provides us with a three-dimensional (3D) view of the teeth, jaws and surrounding structures. It is a type of computed tomography specifically designed for the head and neck area, which uses a cone-shaped beam of X-rays and provides highly detailed images with significantly lower radiation exposure than classic medical CT.

When is CBCT invaluable?

• Implantology: Precise planning of dental implant placement. CBCT allows us to measure the height and width of the bone in detail, assess its quality and identify important anatomical structures (nerves, blood vessels, maxillary sinus) that need to be avoided. This maximizes the safety and success of implantation.
• Endodontics (root canal treatment): Display of the complex anatomy of the root canals (number, shape, curvature), diagnosis of root fractures, assessment of the extent of inflammation around the root (periapical lesions) or complications after previous treatment.
• Stomatology: Planning of more complex extractions (e.g. impacted wisdom teeth), removal of cysts and tumors, assessment of the relationship of teeth to nerves or the maxillary sinus.
• Orthodontics: Precise assessment of the position of teeth (including impacted teeth), analysis of the skeletal relationships of the jaws, planning of comprehensive orthodontic treatment.
• Periodontology: Detailed display of bone loss around teeth due to periodontitis.
• Diagnosis of vague pain: Helps to reveal the cause of pain that is not obvious from regular 2D X-ray images.

Thanks to having a CBCT machine right at our Dobrý Dent clinic in Prague 5, we can perform this highly accurate examination quickly and conveniently during your visit, without the need to be sent to another office. This speeds up the diagnostic process and allows us to immediately start planning optimal treatment based on the most accurate data available.

4. Intraoral Camera

An intraoral camera is a small tool with a camera on the end that allows us to take magnified images and videos directly from your mouth. We can then display these images on a monitor so that you can clearly see the condition of your teeth and gums. It is an excellent tool for:

• Visualization of the problem: You will better understand what is happening in your mouth and why the proposed treatment is necessary.
• Patient education: We can clearly show you areas with dental plaque, tartar, incipient caries or gingivitis.
• Documentation of the condition: The images serve as an objective record of the condition before and after treatment.

We believe that an informed patient cooperates better and is more motivated to take care of their oral health. An intraoral camera is a great helper in communication between the doctor and the patient.

5. 3D Intraoral Scanner

Traditional impressions of teeth using impression materials can be uncomfortable for some patients, especially due to the gag reflex. At Dobrý Dent, we therefore use a modern 3D intraoral scanner. This device quickly and accurately scans the surface of your teeth and gums and creates their perfect digital 3D model directly on the computer.

Benefits of 3D scanning:

• Comfort for the patient: No uncomfortable impression materials in the mouth. Scanning is fast and painless.
• High accuracy: Digital impressions are extremely accurate, which leads to a better fit of prosthetic works (crowns, bridges, veneers) or orthodontic appliances (e.g. invisible braces).
• Speed: The digital model is available immediately and can be sent electronically to the dental laboratory, which reduces the overall time for manufacturing the restoration.
• Simulation possibility: The result of the planned treatment can often be simulated on the digital model (e.g. how the teeth will look after veneers or after orthodontic treatment).
• Ecology: There is no need for plaster models and other materials.

The 3D intraoral scanner is another example of our commitment to using cutting-edge technologies to ensure the maximum quality of care and comfort for our patients. patients.

6. Operating Microscope

For some specific procedures, especially in the field of endodontics (root canal treatment) and microscopic surgery, but also when making highly precise fillings or prosthetic work, we use an operating microscope. It provides multiple magnification and perfect illumination of the working field.

Benefits of using a microscope:

• Maximum accuracy: The doctor can see even the smallest details that would remain hidden with the naked eye. This is crucial, for example, when searching for and treating all root canals, removing broken instruments or working near nerves.
• Higher treatment success: Especially in complicated endodontic cases, the microscope significantly increases the chance of successful and long-term preservation of the tooth.
• Minimally invasive: Thanks to better visualization, the doctor can work more carefully and remove only the necessary amount of tooth tissue.

The use of a microscope at Dobrý Dent is a guarantee of precision and quality in demanding dental procedures.

7. STA (Single Tooth Anesthesia) System – Painless Anesthesia

Although it is primarily a technology for applying anesthesia, the STA system also contributes to comfort during diagnostic procedures that could be sensitive. This computer-controlled system allows the anesthetic to be applied very slowly and in a controlled manner, resulting in a practically painless application. In addition, it allows for targeted numbing of only one specific tooth, without causing unpleasant numbness of the lip, cheek or tongue. This increases patient comfort not only during the procedure, but also after it. At Dobrý Dent, we ensure that the diagnosis is carried out in the greatest possible peace and quiet.

When you come to our office in Prague 5 (Anděl, Jindřicha Plachty Street) for an initial examination or preventive check-up, you can expect the following procedure:

1. Introductory interview (Anamnésie): First, the doctor will talk to you in detail about the reason for your visit, your expectations, previous dental treatments, general health and any problems.
2. Clinical examination: This is followed by a thorough examination of the oral cavity, as described above (visual inspection, probing, palpation).
3. X-ray examination: Based on the clinical findings and your needs, the doctor will decide whether to take X-rays. Usually, small intraoral images (bite-wing) are taken to check the interdental spaces and, if necessary, a panoramic image (OPG) for an overall overview.
4. Additional examinations (as needed): If the situation requires a more detailed view, we can immediately perform a CBCT examination. For better visualization and communication, we can use an intraoral camera. In the case of planning prosthetics or braces, we will perform a scan with a 3D intraoral scanner.
5. Evaluation and consultation: After collecting all diagnostic information, the doctor will carefully evaluate your condition. He will then explain all the findings to you in detail and clearly, show you relevant images and answer your questions.
6. Treatment plan proposal: Based on the diagnosis, the doctor will propose an individual treatment plan. They will present you with possible treatment options, explain their advantages, disadvantages, time requirements and financial aspects. Together you will choose the solution that best suits your needs and possibilities.

The entire diagnostic process is aimed at obtaining a comprehensive overview of your oral health and ensuring that you fully understand your condition and the proposed treatment. We emphasize an individual approach, patient explanations and building mutual trust.

Investing in advanced diagnostic technologies and thorough examinations brings our patients a number of specific benefits:

• Maximum accuracy: We minimize the risk of overlooking a problem or making an incorrect diagnosis.
• Early detection of problems: We can detect cavities, inflammation or other diseases at an early stage, when treatment is easier and less expensive.
• Effective treatment planning: Detailed information allows us to design an optimal and predictable treatment course.
• Minimally invasive approach: Thanks to the precise localization of the problem, we can perform the treatment as gently as possible to your dental tissues.
• Higher treatment success: Accurate diagnosis is the basis for long-term successful results, whether it concerns fillings, crowns, implants or root canal treatment. canals.
• Safety: Advanced imaging methods such as CBCT help identify risky anatomical structures and plan procedures with maximum safety.
• Comfort and clarity: Technologies such as intraoral camera and 3D scanner improve your comfort and help you better understand your condition and treatment.
• Comprehensive care under one roof: Thanks to our clinic’s equipment (including CBCT and 3D scanner), we can perform most diagnostic steps directly at our office, without the need for referrals.

Careful and comprehensive diagnostics are absolutely essential in modern dentistry. At the Dobrý Dent dental clinic in Prague 5, we are proud to offer our patients a top-notch diagnostic facility that combines the experience of our doctors with the most modern technologies, such as digital X-ray, 3D CBCT, intraoral scanner and operating microscope. Our goal is to provide you with not only quality treatment, but also a sense of security that your treatment plan is built on a solid foundation of accurate diagnosis.

If you are looking for quality dental care in Prague with an emphasis on precise diagnostics and an individual approach, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here for you to help you achieve and maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.