2 Patients

I had a concellation again, so I tried to fill the time with 2 patients. I had my son come back in for a tissue check and then I started my class III patient. I was able to get a sealant done on my son plus a PE on the sealant so I was pleased with that. My class III patient had to be numbed up to start work. I was able to start the ultrasonics on her as was amazed at the calculus coming off. I loved to see the tobacco stains erase off of her teeth. She had several teeth that has rotted off at the gum line so I was scared as to how to go about those teeth. I had to keep telling myself that she was numb and can't feel it. I didn't quite get her 1 quad done so I will tackle her on Wednesday. I am confused about charting and the procedures of doing a patient that has to come back for work.

Class III

I started on my class III patient today. My regularly scheduled class II cancelled last night. I am concerned that I do not have time to reshedule him back. I do not think I am going to meet my requirements and am quite distressed and stressed. I did learn what calculus feels like subgingivally when it is a brick wall, and understand that I need to gently move my probe around the calculus to get an accurate probe reading. I'm glad my instructor is willing to work with me, though I do feel at times that I am overlooked at times due to my positioning in the pods. The odd man out.

Class I suprise !

Today I thought I had a Class 1B, in that the child was only 13. The patient turned out to be a class II on the mandibular arch. I used my loops today for the first time and was amazed at the ability to see such a large structure. It looked like the calculus was just waiting to be seen. I was pushing my time to try to get this patient completed in one visit. As I was scaling the lower arch I was amazed at the amount of stuff I was pulling off. I think the loops will help my a lot as soon as I am more confident in the use of them and relearning to use my instruments. I was able to complete the appointment today so I did feel a success!!!

Jinxed BP three times

Today I dismissed my third patient with high blood pressure. I think I should get a new cuff. Though this patient had a reading of 182/94. I am getting good on the paperwork for a dismissed patient and in calling physicians for consults. I did purchase a small clock so that I could keep track of my time better. I am looking forward to actually using it. We will have to see what next week brings.

Braces

I did not find braces to be as scary as I thought they would be. I think that it was a good experience. The thing that I think that I would do differently next time would be to use my explorer to get off as much creamy calculus as possible before using the ultra sonics to avoid disturbing any decalcified areas. This patient had a lot of areas that were decalcified once they were uncovered and I was afraid of disturbing them. This patient has mental and physical delays and lacks good coordination. It was a very interesting and valuable experience in being more aware of what to look for and cautions to watch for.

Endentulous

Today I saw my first endentulous patient. She was so patient and helpful to me. I felt like I was having a day like I was just starting clinic for the first time. I really am lost without teeth in the mouth. I was able to get a pano on her with the help of a staff member. There is a special chin rest to use to try to position the head properly to make up for the loss of dentition space. It is quite different to hold teeth in your hand to scale them, although you get plenty of light to see what you are doing. I was able to get her all done and was excited to see first hand irritation that does appear on the gums when the dentures are worn without letting the tissues rest. I did have the clinic schedule laminated so that I can put it with my charting materials to help me with my time.

Class III

I was a bit nervous for this patient as he had some really deep pockets of 7mm. It really took me by suprise to have the probe sink down so far! First for everything. I had the hardest time trying to clean his lingual anteriors in that this 76 year old gentlemen kept taking a nap. I am glad for the challenge though. I still have a hard time with watching my time as I get so focused on getting the job done. I really am going go hang the clinic times up or something of the sort so that I can refer to it to try to stay on time.

Class II

Today I saw a patient that was an easy class II. She did not want x-rays so my goal that day was see if I could get her as near complete as possible. She did have some calculus build up on the lower anteriors but that was the most that would need to be really focused on. She had a fair amount of recession due to aggressive brushing. That part made me nervous knowing that it could be really sensitive. I was able to get two quads completed which I was excited about.