English for Medical Purposes - Dental Check-up

Dental Check-up Sam: Hello, Doctor.
Dr. Peterson: Good morning, Sam. How are you doing today?

Sam: I'm OK. I've been having some gum pain recently.
Dr. Peterson: Well, we'll take a look. Please recline and open your mouth.... that's good.

Sam:(after being examined) How does it look?
Dr. Peterson: Well, there is some inflammation of the gums. I think we should also do a new set of S-rays.

Sam: Why do you say that? Is something wrong?
Dr. Peterson: No, no, it's just standard procedure every year. It looks like you may have a few cavities as well.

Sam: That's not good news .... hmmm
Dr. Peterson: There are just two and they look superficial.

Sam: I hope so.
Dr. Peterson: We need to take X-rays to identify tooth decay, as well as check for decay between the teeth.

Sam: I see.
Dr. Peterson: Here, put on this protective apron.

Sam: OK.
Dr. Peterson: (after taking the X-rays) Things look good. I don't see any evidence of further decay.

Sam: That's good news!
Dr. Peterson: Yes, I'll just get these two fillings drilled and taken care of and then we'll get your teeth cleaned.

Key Vocabulary

gums
gum pain
to recline
open your mouth
inflammation
X-rays
set of X-rays
standard procedure
cavities
to identify
tooth decay
protective apron
evidence of further decay
fillings
to drill
to take care of
to get your teeth cleaned

Check your understanding with this multiple choice comprehension quiz.

By Kenneth Beare, About.com Guide