Medical history

Abstract

The medical history and clinical examination of the patient are deemed necessary in order to ensure the successful outcome of a surgical procedure, as well as a favorable postoperative healing process. Investigation of the medical history is carried out with numerous questions pertaining to the presence of pathological conditions that may adversely influence the surgical procedure and endanger the patient's life.There are various types of questionnaires that may be used by the dentist for gathering information about the general health of the patient. Table 1.1 presents the one that we feel fulfills the needs of the dental office. Patients with underlying diseases should be given particular attention and all necessary preventive measures should be taken, in cooperation with the physician treating the patients, in order to avoid potential complications during and after the surgical procedure. This chapter refers to diseases and conditions that are included in the aforementioned medical history and which may cause problems at the dental office. The preventive measures that must be taken before and after the surgical procedure are also emphasized. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.