Understanding Dental Patients

If you know me, you know I love Corvettes; in fact, I’ve owned eight different kinds since 1991.

And, before you get too scared, this is a dental article, not a vehicle piece! Continue reading to find out.

I was experiencing a lot of problems with my 1998 Corvette, so I took it in for service a while back. I spoke with the technician after they “diagnosed” the problem.

I’m not hesitant to admit that I was absolutely lost after the first five words he said. Just because I own a Corvette doesn’t imply, I know how to maintain it!

He asked if I had any questions after his lengthy technical explanation, which was riddled with terms I didn’t understand. And the first question that came to mind? “How much would this set you back?”

Have you ever given a patient a lovely explanation of what they required, only to discover that their first (and sometimes only) question was, “How much is this going to cost?”

I don’t know about you, but this used to happen to me on a daily basis before I became an MGE client. I’d tell them how much, and they’d respond, “I’ll think about it,” and then…they’d leave.

The following scenario occurred more frequently than I would have liked in my office:

A patient would call my office for assistance.
To assist them, I would perform an examination, diagnosis, and treatment plan.
I would explain it (in what I considered to be a thorough and comprehensive manner).
“How much?” they’d inquire.
I would inform them.
They’d then depart with the problem they’d come in to have me repair.
I’d wonder what was going on and blame it on things like “low dental IQ,” “Teeth just aren’t significant to Mr. or Ms._,” “It’s always about the money,” and so on.
Is any of this familiar?

Then I came to MGE and learned about communication and how it leads to comprehension.

A problem was made when the car technician used technical jargon to describe what was wrong with my car. I (the consumer) grew bewildered and overwhelmed since I couldn’t understand what he was saying. Finally, the only semi-intelligent question I could think of was about money!

And we’re wondering why patients do this…

We don’t know what’s going on in their heads, but you can see why some of them would think your treatment plan is “too pricey” and that they need to go “think about it.”

If patients understood why they required dentistry to the same extent that we do as dentists, they would immediately recognize its significance and take action to begin treatment. The issue is that our perception of what they require is based on years of training and experience. So the challenge becomes, how can we sufficiently improve their knowledge of required treatment? How, specifically, can we elevate it high enough for them to act?

The MGE Blog – Understanding Dental Patients

The first thing to avoid is using huge technical dentistry jargon that they (probably) aren’t familiar with. Sure, it makes us appear “knowledgeable,” but what’s the point if all it accomplishes is to cause uncertainty, overwhelm, and passivity in patients?

Following my MGE training, I modified my vocabulary when discussing dental disorders and therapy.

Here are a couple such examples:

Technical Terminology Patient-Friendly Terminology

Carious Injury ————- Cavity

Pulp Necrotic ————— Nervous Breakdown

Pus pocket in the bone — Periapical radiolucency

Crown ———————- Cap—similar to the one you wear around your head

———————— Pontic Incorrect Tooth

And so on…

You get the picture. So, if a patient isn’t acting to solve a problem, consider that they may not comprehend it; if they did, they’d act!

“Well, if they don’t comprehend something, they’ll ask a question, right?” you could think. In my experience, this is not always the case. Why? I honestly don’t know. I’m guessing they’re afraid it’ll make them seem awful. Perhaps they believe that since you’re using the term, they should already be familiar with it. Nonetheless, you can see that split second when someone’s eyes glaze away after you use a term they don’t “understand.” When you see this, you might ask again, “Do you have any questions?” And they’ll say, “Nope.”

So, keep things simple, avoid going down this route in the first place, and make your explanation “patient friendly” from beginning to end.

The MGE Blog – Understanding Dental Patients

Even after changing my terminology, I would occasionally get the “I need to think about it” reaction. So, I began telling my patients (sincerely and compassionately):

“I’ve discovered that when someone has to think about something, I don’t always do a good job of explaining why.” “Please tell me what’s on your mind.”

It didn’t always succeed, but it usually got them chatting and, lo and behold, asking questions! This offered me the opportunity to explain topics that they didn’t comprehend.

Another thing I discovered was that repeating the communication numerous times lead to comprehension. After telling the patient three times that their tooth was cracked, they would frequently ask, “So are you stating that my tooth is cracked?” Because they don’t want to hear it, it doesn’t get through. Obviously, I wouldn’t do the same thing over and over again. I might describe it slightly differently each time, but in the end, I had to explain it three times before complete comprehension set in.

Finally, I believe it makes a significant impact if all of information comes directly from the doctor. The title “Doctor” is important in society, and people generally believe that doctors are very busy, so they appreciate it when the doctor takes the time to explain things to them. I understand that this isn’t always possible but try to do it as much as you can, and I believe you’ll see a significant improvement. It is actually beneficial to allocate time particularly for presenting treatment.

Isn’t it worth your 20 or 30 minutes if it:

Does this potentially double the patient’s likelihood of accepting and carrying out their treatment plan?

More importantly, it results in the patient receiving the necessary treatment!
In summation, doctor: take your time, avoid big phrases, and repeat it at least three times before giving up or compromising. It all comes down to true comprehension—the patient understands you, and you understand the patient. When that happens, I believe case acceptance will be much easier.

Is laser teeth whitening hot?

When the laser treatment is done, your teeth will be whiter than they used to be. For those who want to get the results quickly, this option is a popular choice. A dentist or teeth whitening professional can perform a professional tooth whitening system, and you can also use various do-it-yourself kits to whiten your teeth at home.

Some customers may expect their teeth to be as white as Britney Spears’ or Simon Cowell’s, but this is highly unlikely for the majority of people, whose teeth can only be whitened to the extent that their natural colour allows. Veneers are the only way to get white, bright teeth like those of the stars, but they are expensive, which is why laser teeth whitening is now considered a viable alternative to traditional teeth whitening methods.

If you live in a large city, the cost of this fast laser whitening may be more expensive than in smaller towns. The average cost of a full laser teeth whitening treatment is between $200 and $400.

In general, the cost of teeth whitening goes up as the number of visits to the dentist’s office increases. If your teeth are severely discoloured, you’ll have to go to more appointments, which means more money out of pocket.

Whiter teeth have only been possible in the past through the use of a cosmetic dentist’s expertise and could be achieved only after extensive time-consuming, uncomfortable, and expensive procedures.

Interviews are a good example of situations in which first impressions matter, and having a great smile combined with other factors like grooming and so on will only help you get that job and help you earn a fortune. Additionally, having pearly whites can only improve your love life. The enamel on your teeth thins out as you age, making them appear less white.

Many people want whiter teeth, and laser teeth whitening, also known as Zoom Whitening, is a great option for them. It is possible to treat without peroxide by using chlorine dioxide, which is a safe and legal alternative, and the treatment only takes an hour, which is the biggest perk for many people.

To begin the laser teeth whitening procedure, a gum dam is used to keep the gums safe while the teeth are treated with hydrogen peroxide. After the laser light oxidises the chlorine peroxide, the enamel is impregnated with it over the course of the hour-long procedure. Afterward, the carbon dioxide is removed and the gum dam is removed, revealing a beautiful smile and white teeth.

Dental insurance is for everything

There is no doubt that health insurance and dental coverage come to mind first and foremost when most people think of the term “work benefits.” It shouldn’t really come as a surprise, given how widely known it is that dental insurance is a necessity. Tooth insurance is a popular perk for many employees. However, why is dental insurance so crucial and necessary in the first place?

When you’re in the throes of a crippling toothache, you’re more likely to find the solution than you’d expect. A bad tooth is one of most disruptive things that can happen to you. Having a good dental insurance plan is essential for this very reason. The trend of introducing dental insurance into a company’s overall benefit package is increasing. Dental health is undeniably important, and doctors are stressing this point more and more every day.

Only 57 percent of Americans under the age of 65 have dental insurance, compared to 85 percent who have medical health coverage. Many businesses are being forced to examine how they spend their limited health care budgets, and dental coverage is one of many things they are looking to cut. This is unfortunate. Since a patient’s full investment risk is so low, dental insurance is deemed unnecessary by some companies. Even the most expensive dental procedures are nearly impossible to bankrupt you financially in the event of an unexpected medical emergency.

In addition to dental health, other physical health problems can be linked to it. The infection of the mouth’s soft tissues known as Gingivitis, for example, can become life-threatening if left untreated. For your overall well-being, it’s risky to ignore dental hygiene.

The upper middle and wealthy classes have historically been the only ones who could afford regular dental checkups and preventive care. People didn’t go to the dentist as often as they should have before dental insurance became widely available, as it turned out. As a result of this change, millions of people now receive regular preventive dental care, which has a positive impact on the nation’s dental health.

However, even in this day and age, there are still many people who cannot afford to pay for dental insurance. Dentists are out of the question because of a severe lack of money. In the absence of proper dental insurance, dental procedures and even simple dental checkups can be prohibitively expensive for many people. As a result, people who can’t afford to pay for these procedures are missing out on vital dental care. There are some people who have a bad taste in their mouth following a dental visit because they have been shocked at how much the dentist has charged them.

Tooth and gum disease is the most common oral health issue that requires professional attention. If left untreated, these gum and tooth problems can quickly worsen, resulting in tooth decay to the point where the sufferer is no longer able to properly use their teeth. Treatment for tooth decay and severely deteriorated teeth can be prohibitively expensive, so those who want to avoid losing their teeth will need to find a solution. This is yet another reason why dental insurance is so critical.

Many more Americans would be in pain if they didn’t have access to dental insurance. The rising costs of premium dental care would also have to be considered. For example, a filling can cost anywhere from $125 to $200 depending on where the person lives in the country. In comparison to dental x-rays, which can cost upwards of $200, routine examinations and cleanings will cost the patient at least $75. Root canals, on the other hand, can cost up to $1,000, and the average cost of cosmetic dentistry is between $1500 and $3000.

Routine dental care is less expensive with good dental insurance, which often pays for one set of x-rays and a cleaning each year in full. Many more expensive emergencies can be avoided with this kind of routine care. Even more importantly, regular dental examinations can often reveal the earliest signs of more serious health issues, such as diabetes. One of the most important aspects of good health care is comprehensive dental insurance.

How important is dental insurance? Without a doubt, the answer to this is very important.

Why You should Consider Holistic Dentistry

We live in a toxic world, and you don’t want your dental care to increase your toxic load or put additional strain on your immune system. Dental sensitivity affects at least 20% of patients at some point in their lives, according to research. Different methods of testing are available to determine which materials are best suited for you by your holistic dentist.

In dentistry, the only condition that can be referred to as a disease is periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease-causing bacteria aren’t just found in the mouth, according to a recent study in the media. When a patient has gum disease, the same bacteria can be found in the bloodstream and may also be found in cases of heart disease. To maintain a healthy heart, it is essential to have a healthy mouth, which is the gateway to the body. When it comes to oral health, your gums are your foundation. It is always the goal of a holistic dentist to first implement an approach to periodontal care that is both balanced and progressive before recommending more aggressive treatment.

Non-Harmful Methods for Metal Filler Removal

In order to ensure the safe removal of metal fillings, strict protocols must be followed. Tooth isolation is an important part of the procedure to ensure that no metal fragments end up in your mouth or, even worse, in your system. Clean air and oxygen, as well as any special filtration and a custom high-speed vacuum unit, should be provided for your benefit.

In an ideal world, your holistic dentist would also have a filter in place to keep the metal that has been removed from the water supply from entering the public supply. Approximately 14% of the pollution in our oceans is caused by dental metals. In order to protect the waters of the San Francisco Bay, Bay Area dentists are required to use this filtration.

Bite Problems and TMJ Problems

Prevention and Effective Treatment In addition to the internal and structural aspects of oral health, a holistic dentist understands that your mouth is the gateway to your entire body. Additionally, the patient’s bite alignment must be taken into account in the total picture of dental treatment, along with specific concerns like jaw joint issues (TMJ). The structure of the body as a whole, not just the head and jaw, depends on the results of a bite assessment.

Splints made of state-of-the-art materials, as well as mouth muscle adjustments, can be used to correct a bad bite. Sometimes your holistic dentist will collaborate with a chiropractor to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Your dental treatment will be successful if your bite is at its best, resulting in a comfortable and beautiful smile.

The need to have a perfect bite

Dentists have long emphasized the importance of brushing and flossing on a regular basis, especially after eating sweets. It’s possible that your holistic dentist will stress the importance of good nutrition even more.

In order to maintain good oral health, a low-sugar, alkaline diet is a helpful supplement. Sugar is well-known for its role in tooth decay. This is due to the fact that decay-causing bacteria thrive on sugar intake. Additionally, alkaline diets are beneficial because they help to counteract the acidity in saliva that is caused by the stresses of modern life. The saliva’s ph is maintained at a proper level by an alkaline diet, ensuring that the digestive processes begin in the mouth. Sugar cravings can be reduced or even eliminated by following a few simple dietary guidelines.

Oral health and dental treatment can benefit greatly from the use of homeopathic remedies, which a holistic dentist may also recommend. Aconitum Napellus homeopathic pellets can be used to alleviate pre-treatment anxiety. Anesthetics can be relieved by applying homeopathic gels topically after a procedure. Arnica and Traumeel can be applied to sore gum tissue by applying them to the surface of the gums.

Cosmetic Bonding

Metal fillings that have been in your mouth for at least 15 years can cause small cracks in your teeth, which can eventually lead to full-blown fractures. It is not uncommon for old fillings to remain in place while the surrounding tooth structure decays. Metal fillings weaken the tooth structure and discolor the tooth beneath them. Before a tooth breaks, it is best to remove old fillings to avoid root canals or crowns and caps.

Caps or crowns aren’t always necessary when using bonding techniques because the bonding holds the tooth together rather than wedges it apart. We are able to be more conservative and remove less tooth structure because of this strengthening through bonding. Today, a wide variety of long-lasting, tooth-colored filling materials are on the market that provides not only structural support but also look stunning.

Products and educational materials

Reducing Dental Treatment and Dental Product Toxicity as well as the Toxicity of Your Environment In today’s world, one of the most important factors in maintaining good health is learning to minimize the harm that toxicity can do. Toxic levels should be kept to a minimum, but this may be just as difficult as getting enough nutrition. Over time, your body’s immune system and organs may break down as a result of cumulative toxicity, which is why it is important to maintain a healthy diet.

Patients should be aware of the ingredients in toothpaste and mouthwash to avoid. It’s becoming easier and easier to find natural dental care products that are both effective and enjoyable to use at home. Toxic ingredients can be found in everything from personal care and cleaning products to food and medicine, and your holistic dentist can educate you on the dangers of these substances.

Educating ourselves and our families on how to maintain good oral health and overall health by avoiding ingredients we shouldn’t be consuming and by reading labels are two important steps we can take. It’s another reason why a holistic dentist is essential to your community.