Dentistry: Are You Getting Your Money’s Worth?
By Steven A. Fishman, DDS, FADL, FICD
What are you willing to spend on your smile and oral health?
The answer is directly related to the value you place on the preservation of your teeth. Once you decide this value, you can easily determine what type of dentist to seek out. Dentists vary widely in how much they value smiles and oral health, making it essential to find one whose values align with yours.
How should you value your smile and oral health?
Everyone judges their appearance differently, from those who obsess over their teeth to those who rarely look at them. Health opinions vary too; some people focus only on pain, while others prioritize prevention. Two key points connect appearance to oral health:
- Visible Conditions: Oral health conditions are visible. By looking in the mirror, you can gather much information about your teeth and gums. This visibility is unique compared to other body parts.
- Self-Assessment: You can easily recognize issues like crooked, discolored, or broken teeth and swollen or bleeding gums. Without professional training, you can still evaluate your mouth’s health with surprising accuracy.
In summary, “what looks good probably is healthy.” Absence of pain is not a reliable health indicator, as it often signifies problems only when something hurts.
Why is keeping my teeth important?
Teeth are crucial for speech, maintaining proper breathing, and overall health. Gum disease, the number one cause of tooth loss, links to heart disease, inflammation, osteoporosis, pregnancy issues, diabetes, and respiratory diseases. Therefore, keeping teeth healthy supports your general health.
Value Your Health and Your Teeth
If you value your health, you will value your teeth. Healthy teeth and gums “look good.” Dentists differ in experience, knowledge, skill, and dedication. Some are not prevention-oriented and focus on problems as they become symptomatic, potentially leading to tooth loss within your lifetime. These dentists typically offer expedient and inexpensive care.
Conversely, some dentists expect patients to keep their teeth for life. They monitor dental health closely, recommending treatment before symptoms arise. These dentists generally provide more time-intensive and expensive care.
Are you getting your money’s worth?
Ultimately, whether you get your money’s worth depends on how well your values match with those of your dentist. Ensure you choose a dentist whose approach aligns with your health priorities.
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