By Steven A. Fishman, DDS, FADL, FICD
I hope the following synopsis of my treatment rationale will help you understand the importance and urgency of adhering to your previously presented dental treatment plan. Additionally, this will aid in coordinating communication with other mutual patients.
Preventive Dentistry: The Three Pillars of Oral Health
Dentistry is fundamentally a preventive profession. There is substantial empirical evidence that outlines three essential parameters to maintain strong and healthy teeth throughout your lifetime: Strong Healthy Gums, Sound Teeth, and Proper Function. Imagining your oral health as resting on these three pillars can help simplify this concept.
Longitudinal studies have shown that the belief in inevitable tooth loss is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Patients often cite personal experiences or anecdotes from family and friends about losing teeth despite regular dental visits. This perceived inevitability can be discouraging, but the reality is that tooth loss is almost always preventable when both you and your dentist take the necessary steps.
The Responsibility of Dental Care
The responsibility for maintaining your teeth throughout your life is shared between you and your dentist:
- Desire to Keep Your Teeth: You must genuinely want to maintain your teeth.
- Trustworthy Dentist: Find a dentist you trust and who is dedicated to your dental health.
- Dentist’s Expertise: Your dentist must possess the knowledge, skill, and experience to provide the necessary dental care.
Ultimately, maintaining your teeth involves good oral hygiene, a proper diet, and regular dental check-ups and maintenance.
Empirical Evidence and the Three Pillars
Empirical evidence consistently supports that the three essential parameters for lifelong dental health are strong gums, sound teeth, and proper function.
- Healthy Gums: Good gum health is crucial as gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Ignoring gum disease or cavities can result in significant dental issues.
- Sound Teeth: Strong, healthy teeth are less likely to decay and cause problems. Follow your dentist’s advice to maintain tooth health, and if issues persist despite proper care, consider consulting another dentist.
- Proper Function: Proper function relates to how your teeth move, such as when chewing or grinding. Improper function can lead to severe damage, including cracked teeth, fillings, and gum recession. Correcting functional problems can vastly improve dental health, contributing to the aesthetic and functional aspects of dentistry.
A Comprehensive Approach to Dental Health
Finding a dentist who encourages a comprehensive approach to oral health is critical. This approach includes thorough evaluations of your gums, teeth, and function. The dentist should gather diagnostic information, clearly explain the results, and recommend appropriate treatments. Your dentist should be knowledgeable and experienced in treating dental issues, and you should feel confident in their ability to care for your health.
Ultimately, if you trust your dentist and follow their recommendations, you can avoid the self- fulfilling prophecy of tooth loss. Ignoring any one of the three pillars will almost certainly lead to dental problems.
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