Choosing the Right Dentist

Nothing Personal Doc, But I Hate Dentists!

What dentist hasn’t heard those words? Many patients may have the thought, even if they don’t actually say the words. Since the dawn of modern time, dentistry has served as a ripe source of frightening imagery for artists and comedic fodder. Despite dramatic changes in dentistry, those images persist in the minds of the public, causing some to delay seeing or completely avoiding the dentist.

Many people are unsure how to choose a dentist or how to make informed decisions regarding their oral health. How do you find Dr. Right? A number of sources exist. You can use the Yellow Pages, a referral service, newspaper or magazine ads, a search of the internet, a referral from a friend or other doctor, or select a name from a dental plan list. Ultimately, it comes down to making sure you are in the right place. Do your homework and follow your instincts. When you call an office for the first time, you might ask for a “get acquainted visit” with the dentist. Can you tour the office and be introduced to the staff?

Your first visit should include a comprehensive examination unless your appointment was to address a specific or urgent concern. You shouldn’t feel rushed and have plenty of time to discuss your questions, treatment options, and financial concerns.

The importance of communicating your fears and any issues of embarrassment and trust is critical in making your dental experience a good one. The following checklist may help you express your concerns with your dentist:

Handle Me With Care

¨ I gag easily.

¨ I feel out of control when I’m lying down in the dental chair.

¨ I have not been to the dentist in a long time, and I feel uncomfortable about what you will say about my teeth and my dental hygiene.

¨ Pain relief is a top priority for me.

¨ I don’t like shots (or I’ve had a bad reaction to shots).

¨ Please tell me what I need to know about my mouth in order to make an informed decision.

¨ My teeth are very sensitive.

¨ I don’t like the sound of that tool that makes the picking and scraping noise. It’s like someone is scratching fingernails on a blackboard.

¨ I don’t like cotton in my mouth.

¨ I hate the noise of the drill.

¨ Please respect my time. I don’t want to be left sitting in the reception area.

¨ I want to know the cost up front. No money surprises please.

¨ I have difficulty listening and remembering what I hear while sitting in the dental chair.

¨ I have health problems and questions that we need to discuss.

Let’s look at making a “Handle Me With Care” pact between you and your dental professionals. This simple statement will make a big difference in how you are treated and how you feel about going to the dentist:

I ask that you honestly inform me about my dental health. I want you to make me aware of the best quality dentistry available today. Then we can discuss how I can make healthy choices that will work within my budget. I also want to know all the pain relief options available to me in your dental office, how each dental procedure will work, and how much of my time will be required.

Taking charge of your dental healthcare is your right. Making the right decisions for yourself doesn’t have to be difficult or confusing. I trust the “Handle Me With Care” checklist and pact can help you in your effort to achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. This article was based on a consumer’s guide to dentistry with the same name as the article (with permission). The book, “Nothing Personal Doc, But I Hate Dentists” written by Dr. Mac Lee has been featured on the Discovery Channel.

Dr. Barr’s practice, Palm Beach Smiles, is located at Boynton Beach Blvd. and I-95. You can contact us by calling 736-2377 or by visiting our website at: http://www.palmbeach-smiles.com/.

Your Own Crown Jewels

A Dental Crown is something familiar to most people who fit into the baby boomer generation or earlier. Crowns, often referred to as “caps,” have been around almost as long as the modern profession of dentistry itself.

Today, crowns remain a staple in the repertoire of dental services. Crowns effectively restore teeth to virtually new condition in terms of form, function, and appearance. Our teeth perform many very important functions in our daily lives. The obvious task of chewing our food, while taken for granted, is literally a life function. Without good teeth, the first step of digestion is compromised which can negatively affect life-supporting nutrition. As we age, the joy of eating our favorite foods makes a healthy and functional set of teeth of paramount importance. Teeth also play a vital role in communication. The phonetic components of speech are formed by how we shape sound with our tongue and teeth. Furthermore, the non-verbal act of smiling may be the single most communicative expression in human society. Each tooth is indeed a jewel to be treasured, maintained, and if necessary, rejuvenated with a modern crown restoration.

There are a number of reasons dentists recommend crowns for their patients. The most common indications for crowns are to restore teeth that have been significantly broken, cracked, or have large cavities. Teeth that have large fillings, which may be at risk for cracks, are also often suggested to have crowns to prevent them from breaking. Typically, most teeth that have had root canal treatment require a crown for final restoration. Cosmetic improvement remains an indication for crowns, as well. Crowns offer the dentist and patient complete control of the appearance of teeth in terms of shape and color.

Years ago, we had only a couple of choices for crown materials. They included gold or “porcelain fused to metal” (porcelain baked onto a metal substructure). Today, there are dozens of choices, but they can be boiled down to three basic kinds of crowns: gold, porcelain fused to metal, and the state-of-the-art, metal-free, all-porcelain crown. Each has its advantages and ideal indications. Gold is still used, but it is typically reserved for the very back teeth that aren’t seen. Porcelain fused to metal combines the strength of metal with the cosmetic appeal of porcelain. It works very well; however, on front teeth it has the disadvantage of creating what is commonly called “black line syndrome." You may have seen people with crowned teeth that seem to have a dark area at the gum line. Today, we have all-porcelain (also called “all-ceramic”) crowns that are ideal for cosmetically prominent teeth. They offer the beauty of a completely natural appearance and, if done well, are indistinguishable from natural teeth. If a crown is recommended, be sure to ask your dentist which type is best for you.

There are many factors that make for a quality crown. Attention to detail and the dentist’s time spent with you are good indicators. Your crown should look and feel natural. It should fit your bite perfectly and touch the opposing tooth just like your natural teeth come together. It shouldn’t catch or trap food, and should be easy to clean. Floss should go around crowned teeth with a smooth snap and shouldn’t shred on the way in or out. With good home care and regular professional maintenance, your “crown jewels” should last a long time.

For more information and to see before and after photographs of actual cases, visit our website at: http://www.palmbeach-smiles.com/.

Dr. Barr’s practice, Palm Beach Smiles, is located at Boynton Beach Blvd. and I-95. You can contact us at: 561-736-2377.