Can you handle the truth?

 

Often patients come in with the hope that the solution to their dental problem will be a simple fix, especially if their tooth problem is not associated with any painful symptoms. Sometimes they are right but sometimes they are not. Unfortunately, pain is not always a good indicator of a dental problems severity. some extremely decayed teeth do not cause a lot of discomfort, but tooth structure can be so compromised by the amount of missing tooth structure, that refilling the tooth may not be an option. 

Often salvaging a tooth with advanced decay is not always feasible and when it is possible, multiple costly procedures may be required to save the tooth (root canal, crown lengthening, post and core). Sometimes the most predictable solution is to remove an extremely decayed tooth and to arrange for its replacement with an implant and implant restoration.  This involves multiple steps and can be costly, but often the implant option offers a more predictable long term solution.

Obviously, a patient who comes into their dentist with a tooth that doesn't hurt, may have a difficult time dealing with the "dental truth" that their dentist offers. Sometimes they require a second opinion from a second or third dentist. They may even find a dentist willing to place a very large filling to "restore" their tooth. Unfortunately, this may  amount to kicking the can down the road and can result in additional treatments in the next year or two. 

When I do encounter a patients who will not accept my recommendations, I encourage them to take a little time to think it over and even seek a second opinion from another dentist. I may offer an interim solution by placing a short term restorative, but I explain that this is a temporary solution and will not ultimately solve their tooth's problem. 

If my patient becomes upset with me, I  try not to take it personally since they are disappointed that a simple solution is not possible. I know that sometimes after an adequate time for reflection, this patient will return  and be more ready to explore possible options to address their dental problem(s)