Overview
You may have seen recent television programs, articles, and advertisements promoting cosmetic smile makeovers. While they may have inspired you to seek the services of a highly trained dentist, they also may have made you a little concerned about the “extreme” to which your dentist may advise you to go. Please know that we are always more interested in your personal concerns and preferences. We understand your desire for the dental services that are appropriate for your circumstances and objectives, and we are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals.
Mission Statement
We understand that choosing a new dentist and dental health team can be a challenge, leaving you feeling somewhat uncertain. May we welcome you, and share our beliefs about what we do for people. A few years ago we wrote a philosophy or purpose for our practice. Briefly stated…
“Our purpose is to help people achieve the highest level of well-being personally appropriate for them and in so doing to enhance the quality of their lives and our own.”
In other words, we help you be or become as healthy as you choose. This is a major departure from the way we were trained. Instead of telling you how healthy you ought to be, we will try to help you understand your choices about dental health and then let you make a free and informed choice.
Patient Forms
Please print and fill out these forms so we can expedite your first visit:
In order to view or print these forms you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed. Click here to download it.
Directions and Parking
Please enter your zip code or city, state below for door-to-door directions
You will find most of the parking is in the rear of the building and the entrance is off Taft Avenue. Taft is a left turn off of Park Blvd.
Feel free to call our office or email us with any questions.
What to Expect From Your Comprehensive Dental Examination
Beginning with a Conversation
Most often, the comprehensive evaluation begins with discussing your dental history and learning about your past experience with dentistry. We gain valuable insight as you talk about your past experiences and express what you want for yourself, how you see your present level of oral health, and your expectations of Dr. Workman and his dental team. Hearing your concerns and opinions will help the dental team provide the level of service you expect or even raise your expectations. It will assist us in helping you achieve your desired results.
Complete Examination
The next step is a complete clinical examination. This is accomplished with your help and input. Comprehensive clinical examinations are more thorough than the “cursory check-up” you may have come to expect.
In order to reach a complete understanding of your present state of health, Dr. Workman must gather data about your masticatory (chewing) muscles, mandibular (jaw) joints, and occlusion (bite). Dr. Workman must also gather information about how these three components work together in your mouth.
Evaluating the health of the periodontium (gums) and surrounding soft tissues is part of the process. Dr. Workman will be looking for signs of disease, oral cancer, and injury during this part of the exam. A complete assessment of the health of each individual tooth, as well as the condition of any existing restorations (such as fillings, crowns and bonding) or prostheses (such as dentures), is an integral part of the process.
An esthetic evaluation is apt to be included. If you have expressed concern about the way your teeth look, you will have the opportunity to “tour” the mouth together, discussing each point of concern.
Throughout this exam, Dr. Workman will be asking you what you are feeling, wondering, and thinking. You, after all, know better than anyone what you feel in your own mouth.
Along with the process of examining your mouth with you, Dr. Workman will suggest appropriate x-rays. These may include films of your teeth, entire jaw system, and if necessary, specific films of your jaw joints.
Diagnostic impressions of your upper and lower teeth will be made using an elastic material. These impressions are a “negative” of the mouth into which dental plaster is placed to make an accurate copy of the mouth. The resultant “casts” will be mounted on an articulator, which is an instrument that simulates the movements of your lower jaw relative to your upper teeth.
A final step in gathering data is a complete set of close-up photographs of your teeth and face.
During this entire process, you and Dr. Workman will be conversing about each portion of the examination and what you are discovering. Dr. Workman will be actively listening for your questions, concerns, and opinions – and will take time to address them. You will be a collaborative member of your oral health team.
Period of Planning
Before advising you on treatment, Dr. Workman will take time, in solitude, to study all of the gathered information and form a thoughtful plan that addresses your concerns and any health problems uncovered by the comprehensive evaluation. Dr. Workman may invest substantial time in this phase of the process, as well as tremendous care, knowledge and advanced technical training.
Follow-up Conversation
You will be invited to schedule a subsequent appointment to discuss the findings and how to best proceed with treatment that meets your goals and objectives.
Courage and Encouragement
It is important to emphasize that the essence of this experience is to understand your unique aspirations and expectations and learning how best to work with you and for you. For those who are discriminating about their health care, this comprehensive, relationship-based approach is both reassuring and satisfying.
Choosing a Pankey-trained dentist, as you have, allows you the opportunity to work with Dr. Workman who is constantly pursuing excellence in all facets of dental practice. If you want to explore the possibilities of improving the beauty of your smile as well as maintain a high level of health and functional comfort, don’t be shy about bringing up your “what if...” thoughts and “I’ve always wished... ” heartfelt feelings.
You deserve optimal health, and Dr. Workman will strive to help you have it. If you need time to “work on” your feelings and decisions regarding your oral health, we understand. Dr. Workman and his team of professionals are happy to answer your questions, discuss concerns, and help you overcome obstacles you may face in developing and pursuing your goals.
Please feel free to explore our web site for more information. Our goal is to help you feel comfortable making decisions which affect your health. Especially check out our patient education section and the many vignettes that visually help to understand dental disease and solutions.