Dentistry: Trend Versus Reality
Have you been to the dentist lately? Got dental problems? Finding it difficult to get a “real” answer to your questions? Yes, your predicament is not a unique one. And, based on common sense, the correct response should not be too difficult to find?
Wrong.
The confusion is being driven by a confluence of COVID, staffing shortages and universities focused on research (versus reality results with respect to training their charges) and a drift away from the “basics”.
What do I mean about the basics?
Let’s say a 55-year-old male presents at my practice. They’ve, more often than not, been to at least one other dental practice and been provided with a treatment plan that they are dissatisfied with. Sometimes, it is the price. But more often than not, it is about the provision of options and an explanation of the risks and benefits associated with each option.
Commonly, the patient comes in with a treatment plan that amounts to between $10K and $30K and is dismayed by the lack of possibilities around the phasing of treatment or spreading of costs. Frequently, the treatment plan revolves around dental implants. But, even more significantly, many of these patients have metabolic issues.
Metabolic issues? How does that impact?
Typically, any dental implant therapy involves surgery. Surgery involves the healing of bone. Bone healing is acutely linked to the metabolic condition of the patient (metabolic conditions, such as obesity (related to body mass index), diabetes, thyroid conditions, auto-immune conditions – even blood pressure and high cholesterol). To further complicate treatment, many patients require bone grafting procedures in addition to the placement of implants, which requires even more stringent protocols.
Is there an alternative?
Let’s focus on the basics. Realistic implementation of the basics is not without risk. However, implementing judicious, planned basic treatment is generally difficult to surpass in value. Treating fundamentals with tooth conserving dental care ensures the fundamentals are good irrespective of whether the patient will proceed to exotic treatments or not.
Frequently, well-executed minimally invasive dental care will satisfy most patients’ requirements concerning function, cosmetics, comfort and budget.
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