Casino Connection Nevada

Your Smile

Your comfort and your confidence

by Eric S. Skinner, DDS

You’ve probably heard the cute phrases like, “Only brush and floss the one’s you want to keep,” and, “Ignore your teeth and they’ll go away!” The sad truth is that not only are these phrases true, but also very few people heed them unless they have a problem. Generally, if it doesn’t hurt or doesn’t show, dental health is an out-of-sight and out-of-mind thing.

For a number of patients, irrational fears of dentists, dentist offices and dental visits are the largest barrier. While those fears may be irrational, they are no less real and need to be addressed. For some adults, memories of dental treatment long ago are just too vivid for them to relax.

The good news is dentists trained today understand and can help you work through these issues. They will utilize all the modern improvements in restorative and preventative care. As stated above, education and prevention are the real keys to a healthy and happy smile. We have the tools. For those of you who are distressed or in pain, you can find someone who will work with you. You deserve a confident smile and pain free life.

How to pick a dentist:
1. Get a personal referral from a friend or relative. Possibly you know someone in the dental world who could help guide you.
2. Interview and eyeball the dentist you select. Do not be afraid to ask questions “How do you help those of us who are afraid?” or “What is your philosophy when making decisions on adequate or optimum care?”
3. Take note of the thoroughness of record-gathering and examination. A health history should be filled out and discussed with the doctor and a series of X-rays taken. The exam should include everything from the neck up, inside and out, to rule out unhealthy growths or joint problems. The condition of every tooth present, along with any restorations, should be recorded. Measurements of the gum condition throughout the entire mouth should be completed.
4. The dentist should present their treatment plan based on the findings of the examination and explain it to you with some options.
5. If any of these steps are missing without a reasonable explanation, or the dentist is unwilling to explain fully and address your concerns, remember that it is your mouth, your health and your comfort. Do not be afraid to exercise your rights. Feel free to request a copy of all the records taken because it will save time and expense when you consult someone else.

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