Changes In The Field Of Dentistry

We have seen tremendous changes in the field of dentistry since I began my practice 30 years ago.

In the early years, it seemed that patients, by and large, felt that they would loose their teeth at some point in their life and that dentures would be inevitable.

Through the years, advances in dentistry have included both technology and our understanding of how the health of the mouth impacts a person’s general health.

Most patients I see in my office are very clear about their desires to keep their teeth throughout their lifetime, but many are not aware of what it takes to make that happen.

There are several ways of attending to dental health. First is on an emergency basis, where one simply waits until a tooth breaks or becomes painful and then calls a dentist for help. Secondly, one can have regular check-ups and care with a professional hygienist, at which time cavities, defective fillings or gum problems are found, and this routine is carried forth on an ongoing basis. The benefit of this strategy is that one does not wait until there is a dental urgency or emergency and the patient has less risk of having the inconvenience of pain or swelling. The very best strategy and the one that is often the most cost effective in the long run, involves spending some time with a dentist to do a comprehensive examination in a way that will allow the dentist to uncover any specific dental problems with the teeth, gums and jaws, and also diagnose underlying causes. There are always warning signs that signal the dentist that there is a glitch in the system. This is not so different from the front tires of your car wearing unevenly and prematurely. This premature wear is a sign that the front end of the car is out of alignment. One solution can be to keep replacing the tires as they wear out, but a better and certainly more cost effective decision might be to recognize the real problem (the alignment issue) and get it fixed rather than spending needlessly on tires. By developing a plan that is designed to address the specific needs of each individual, the person can enjoy the benefits of fixing dental problems once and for all and preventing the same problems from recurring in the future.

By developing and working through a plan that is created as a collaborative effort with the dentist, patients can enjoy the benefits of a healthy mouth that will look and feel great and last for a lifetime.