WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT

Dental practices are as different as people are different.  Some practices may feel clinical and efficient, while others feel somewhat more home spun and laid back.  The dentist’s personality is reflected in his or her treatment preferences as well.  The fact that different dentists will suggest different plans to treat your condition does not necessarily mean that one plan is better than another. 

As I ended last week, the most important thing any health care provider can give is their time. Listening to patient desires and expectations is the key to a long-lasting dentist or other health care provider relationship. Patients who feel comfortable with their provider are able to be better participants in health care decisions. While insurance benefits are a consideration, it is most ideal to pick your health care provider based on other factors.

I’m sure with rare exception, dentists in general will suggest what they feel to be the very best for any given patient.  The differences between the treatment suggested by one dentist and that of another reflects that dentist’s preferences based on his or her experience. Thus, differing treatment plans do not necessarily reflect any deficiency in either dentist’s judgment.  

It is important to remember that there are numerous ways to treat the same situation, and it is always important for the dentist to tailor the treatment plan for each patient’s specific circumstances.  A major part of those circumstances may be financial, and since different treatment plans can vary a great deal in cost, it is helpful if the dentist takes the patient’s ability to pay into account. 

Think of treatment plans like various models of cars offered by different dealers.  All of the models are new, have warranties and will work well out of the lot.  The higher end models, however, have some advantages not found in the less expensive models.  Some options add years to the life of the car. Some add to the appearance and enjoyment of driving it. 

Dental treatment plans are like that too.  Saving a badly damaged tooth with a root canal and a crown will preserve it for a long time, but it is a significant investment, and the patient may opt for a much less expensive extraction instead.  Replacing a missing tooth may be done with a more costly implant or a much less expensive removable partial denture.  A dentist should be able to explain the advantages and disadvantages of the various options, and allow the patient to make the decision. 

We are all different. We all have different personalities, skill sets, interests and faults. No two dentists can perform exactly the same technical procedure in exactly the same way.  As a matter of fact, no single dentist can perform exactly the same procedure exactly the same way twice in a row!  There are many variable factors that determine how well something is done, and how long it lasts. The patient does not have control of many of these factors, but what you do have control of is your ability to choose your provider.

Whether or not you have any dental benefits from an employer or other situation, finding an office you like and trust is the best investment you can make for your dental health. Consistency with personal and professional maintenance is key!

Dr. St. Clair maintains a private dental practice in Rowley and Newburyport dedicated to health-centered family dentistry. If there are certain topics you would like to see written about or questions you have please email them to him at jpstclair@stclairdmd.com. You can view all previously written columns at www.jpeterstclairdentistry.com/blog.