We are very fortunate to live in Canada where our standard of living is amongst the highest in the world. Our consumer driven economy allows us choices in almost every aspect of our life. We get to decide on what level of service and quality of consumer products we would like to obtain.
For example, let’s say that you decided you wanted a larger television for the family room. Imagine if the salesperson informed you that they had looked at your old television and decided that it was still pretty good, and they would not sell you a new television until the old one quit working completely.
A new model for dentistry
When it comes to your teeth, you also have choices. That’s because modern technology has moved dental care from its traditional pathology based roots to a desire based model.
While it is still imperative that you take steps to treat any active dental diseases that may be occurring such as tooth decay or gum disease, today you have the opportunity to have dental treatment that is optional: Treatment that could make you feel better, look better and help prevent dental problems in the future.
Some key considerations you and your Red Deer dentist should investigate are:
- What could be done to improve the appearance of your smile?
- Is there something that could be done to improve your bite
- How could you replace any missing teeth?
- What could be done to correct any wear that has occurred and can further wear be prevented?
- Can something be done to reverse receding gums?
- Are your headaches and neck problems related to the way your teeth come together and is there anything that can be done about it?
- What type of filling material would you like for your teeth?
Get all the facts first
Along the same vein as brainstorming rules, every patient should be given a complete diagnosis and treatment plan that would provide the absolute best result available regardless of the treatment cost or complexity. Once all the options are on the table, it’s up to the patient to decide what type of treatment he or she would like to have based on:
- their long term dental goals
- their budget
- if the proposed treatment is of value for them.
In order to make the best choice, it’s important you understand the consequences of your decision. This is where the dentist comes in. He or she can advise you on what may occur if you choose a different treatment option or no treatment whatsoever. You’ll need to have all the information and advice your dentist can provide in order to make the best decision.
Choosing dental treatment is not the same as choosing a new TV
While the analogy to purchasing consumer goods helps to make a point, there is obviously a lot more at stake when it comes to dental treatment option choices. If you choose a 21 inch T.V., the clerk at Electro-mart does not fuse the set to your body, requiring surgery to remove it if you decide to go for the 70” plasma job in a year.
When you make your decisions about discretionary dental care, it’s important to take your time to make a thoughtful informed decision. If you select the ideal treatment, but your budget does not agree, find out if you can phase your treatment over a number of years. You will always want to get the maximum benefit with the least amount of treatment. If in doubt, or for more information, please schedule a consultation.