As a Red Deer family dentist, Dr. Sandhu understands just how important your teeth are, not only for your health, but for your sense of self. The condition of your teeth, how they look and optimal functionality are all different factors of good oral health. We humans are emotionally connected to our teeth.
A study1 published to the British Dental Journal’s website in May of 2000 concluded the emotional impact of tooth loss is significant. In fact, 45% of participants who completed a questionnaire expressed feeling emotionally affected by tooth loss. Some reported reactions such as:
- loss of self confidence
- feeling inhibited performing everyday activities
- finding it difficult to accept the changes in facial shape that often occur with missing teeth
1British Dental Journal 188, 503 – 506 (2000) | Published online: 13 May 2000 | :10.1038/sj.bdj.4800522 | Prosthetics:The emotional effects of tooth loss: a preliminary quantitative study | D M Davis, J Fiske, B Scott & D R Radford | A questionnaire, distributed to 100 edentulous people undergoing routine prosthetic care in the Department of Prosthetic Dentistry at Guy’s, King’s and St Thomas’ Dental Institute (GKT), was used to explore the emotional effects of tooth loss. Ninety four people completed the questionnaire of whom 42 stated that they had experienced difficulties in accepting the loss of their teeth.
A visit to the dentist is often fraught with emotion
Fear of pain, and of being judged or lectured are common reasons why people avoid visiting the dentist. We think it’s a pretty safe bet to say that most people want to:
- age healthily
- look after a good thing
- invest in their appearance
- avoid pain
Our patients tend to have 3 specific desires
Keep what they have. We call this maintaining good oral health. Effective brushing and flossing, and regular professional cleaning and dental check-ups are a good way to achieve this goal.
Improve what they have. Fixing crooked teeth, repairing broken, cracked or chipped teeth, and replacing missing teeth can not only help improve your appearance, in most cases they can also help your health and, in some cases, resolve pain or sleep problems.
Fix a problem.
Dental problems can cause pain and impact your health and well-being. Filling cavities, removing decay, fighting gum disease and addressing teeth wear are examples of common dental problems dental treatment can resolve.
We also know what you don’t need
No matter what’s going on with your teeth, if you’re in our office, you’ve taken the best step can to resolve a problem or maintain your oral health. Our mouths are personal, sensitive places and every professional dentist knows that planning a dental visit isn’t a favourite activity for many. That’s why we don’t believe in lectures or judgement. We’re here for one purpose only, to help you achieve your oral health goals.
Would you like a cookie with that?
Ultimately, we know a good experience at the dentist will help you to keep coming back – which could, arguably, be the most important action you can take to maintain your beautiful smile and prevent problems from cropping up.
At Saby Dental you can expect to be treated the way you want to be treated – warm cookie included with every visit.
Your health. Our focus.