Oral surgery: the diagnosis.

It is because we are experts in our field that patients seek our advice about the varied problems that they have in and around their mouths. In order to be able to give such advice, and to effectively treat the patient, a wide range of knowledge, skills and expertise has to be called upon by the practitioner. Listening to, observing, questioning, examining and performing further tests on the patient are all necessary stages along the pathway leading to a diagnosis. Only then is the practitioner in a position to consider the treatment options and to enter into discussions with the patient as to the best course of action to take. The time spent in this part of patient management is time well spent, and will greatly increase the likelihood of a successful outcome to the treatment.