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The “LifeSmile” Program
There are three disease processes that are treated in dentistry:
1. Decay (Cavities) -- A bacterial infection of the hard tooth structure. This is the major cause of tooth loss in children, and the major cause of root canal infections in adults.
2. Periodontal (Gum) Disease -- A bacterial infection of the soft tissues surrounding the tooth and the supporting bone (the tooth socket). This is the major cause of bad breath, bleeding gums and tooth loss in adults.
3. Traumatic Occlusion (Bad Bite) -- A human bite exerts 200 pounds per square inch of pressure. A tooth that is not properly positioned within the dental arch absorbs more of that biting pressure than it should. This can greatly accelerate the rate of progression of periodontal disease.
Proper diagnosis is the only way to identify these disease processes early and treat them preventively. The diagnostic skills of a dentist are very important to a patient’s short and long-term health and appearance; unfortunately, these skills vary greatly. In most offices, patients are customarily examined at every appointment for a cleaning. The dentist takes the time to be thorough and have the ability to see problems early. Patient concerns about sensitivity, pain, bleeding gums, bad breath or personal appearance provide helpful information.
It is critical that patients understand, however, that the absence of pain does not indicate the absence of disease.
The condition and appearance of your teeth subconsciously control your smile. Everyone coming to our office is an individual with a specific set of dental, emotional, intellectual and financial needs. The “LifeSmile” Program is our way of specifically catering to your individual needs.
A dentist gets to know the specific needs of each patient and can recommend appropriate care. Communication is very important and the best dentists take the time to listen. The staff is highly educated and knowledgeable about dentistry, and will respond to your telephone questions quickly. If you need to come in to talk, or review work we've already done for you, there is no charge. Dentists should be available for urgent and emergency appointments 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Special fees may apply for after hours dental care.
There are many aspects of quality dentistry about which patients typically know very little. A skilled and caring staff serves to streamline procedures and add to patient comfort. Diagnosis, technical skills, quality materials and attention to individual patient needs are another part of quality, personalized care. For example:
- If dental work is not performed carefully, it is possible to leave decay (a cavity) behind under a brand new filling or cap; this can cause the new filling or cap to continue to decay from within.
- Excessive heat, pressure or drilling on a tooth when trying to work too quickly might create a root canal problem where it might otherwise have been avoided.
- Undiagnosed or untreated gum disease can lead to premature tooth loss.
- Poor quality dental work usually has to be redone in time. Sometimes the damage is irreversible and teeth cannot be saved.
Dentists know the value of quality treatment and stand behind their work. A successful dental practice must been based upon the desire to build long term relationships with patients, coworkers, friends and family.
The dental office respects your time and makes a sincere effort to minimize your office waiting time. If we are getting behind in our schedule, we will try to contact you to tell you to come a little later. Conversely, we ask that you give us no less than 24 hours notice if you must cancel your appointment; when you do come, please be on time so that you won't make us late for our next patient. Patients who are consistently late or don't show up are not rescheduled.
Distraction psychology may be used in a dental office through a combination of interpersonal skills, music and nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Dentistry should be performed gently for good reason. The oral cavity is one of the most sensitive areas of the human body as measured by the number of sensory nerves per square millimeter.
Dentists appreciate your apprehension. Patients who are particularly nervous may be prescribed Valium® before their first few visits to get them over their initial apprehension. Some dentists offer “I.V. Conscious Sedation” for nervous or sensitive patients; these appointments must be made in advance and special fees apply.
Sterilization is state-of-the-art in a modern dental office. Everything is sterilized, including our drills, before each patient. Significant time and expense is necessary to properly sterilize and prepare a treatment room. The increased costs incurred by sterilization procedures is money well spent. Sterilization is not something a patient can see, so if you're curious, ask the staff to show you around.
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