Community Magazine October 2014

82 Community magazine A fter getting him comfortable, I sat down eye-to-eye and we began to talk. He is a busy man. Taking care of his dental needs was usually “emergency” driven. “Just patch me up!” If he continues this way, it is very likely that by the time he turns 70, he will be eating oatmeal instead of enjoying his meals the way he does now. His eating will be more and more uncomfortable as his teeth continue to break down. If you are planning to retire when you turn 70, your accountant should advise you about certain things you need to start doing right now – today – to make sure that happens. Developing a lifetime strategy for dental health is a lot like financial planning. There are certain things we need to start doing today if we want to be able to chew steak or crunchy granola at age 70, 80, and beyond, or else we may be forced to subsist on a “soft diet” of oatmeal and pasta. The Starting Point The best investment in your dental health is taking the time to do complete and thorough dental examinations with the necessary x-rays and other tests. In our office, we routinely take necessary x-rays, photographs and models of the teeth. Many patients are concerned about x-rays, but we allay their fears by using digital x-rays that use 90 percent less radiation. We do a complete tooth-by-tooth examination of the patient’s entire mouth, including a periodontal exam, examination of the jaw joint, oral cancer screening exam and orthodontic evaluation. We also measure mobility and check for traumatic bite interferences, among other potential problems. It is important that the teeth mesh properly, as otherwise biting can cause irreversible damage. When needed, we will test the teeth for sensitivity, and other tests that help us determine a long-term plan for dental health. We record all the information in the patient’s computerized chart, which allows us to study the information after the patient leaves. We know the information about each patient’s mouth practically by heart. This is a different perspective on dentistry. We are beginning with the end in mind. We then map out a lifetime plan for your dental health. At that point, it’s the patient’s turn. Now the patient has to take the vital step of being ready to listen and plan, so he or she will look good, feel good, and chew steak or crunchy granola until 120, Amen. DR. JACQUES DOUECK Patchwork Dentistry or a Lifetime Plan? Joe, a 37-year-old man, recently came into my office and said, “I have a ‘chipped’ tooth over here and on the other side I have a tooth that is hurting.” Developing a lifetime strategy for dental health is a lot like financial planning. There are certain things we need to start doing today if we want to be able to chew steak or crunchy granola at age 70, 80, and beyond…