Dental records or charts are the official credentials of an individual's dental history, including treatments and any other interaction between their dentists. It is a dentist's responsibility to keep a chart for every patient. Some circumstances, like your dentist retiring or moving to a new city, should not bother you if you are concerned with your oral health as they can be transferred, so you don't have to start afresh.
Why are Dental Records Important
Dental records are a special and unique history containing a patient's past office visits, x-rays, and dental procedures. When you change your dentist and don't have your dental records transferred, the dentist will have to make another chart by observing your dental cavity and relying on your memory. To manage and treat your dental problems, dentists need to know about your past treatments to carefully diagnose the type of treatment that best suits you. For example, a record of x-rays can help a dentist beware of existing problems and enable them to monitor dental changes over time. It also helps you avoid unnecessary treatments and costs for illnesses diagnosed earlier.
Dental records also give the dentist a clue about your medical history, as the body is interrelated. This helps the dentist prescribe treatment based on your health system and diagnose oral problems resulting from your general health condition. For example, dentists are aware of managing bleeding complications in patients with heart diseases during surgical procedures.
Aside from the enormous health and dental records provided to both patients and professionals; oral records are also legal documents used in criminal investigations. Oral records are used in identifying victim bodies and help in criminal justice. They are legally bound documents and help in curbing fraudulent dental practices.
Dental records or charts are the official credentials of an individual's dental history, including treatments and any other interaction between their dentists. It is a dentist's responsibility to keep a chart for every patient. Some circumstances, like your dentist retiring or moving to a new city, should not bother you if you are concerned with your oral health as they can be transferred, so you don't have to start afresh.