It's All About Timing

I've just been listening to some real good information presented by Dr. Paul Homoly. He suggests, and I totally agree, that dentists need to think more about the lifestyles of our patients and a bit less about "drilling and filling". Dentistry is mostly elective. Now I understand that there are many situations where in the case of pain and infection that elective may be not quite accurate. But, if we take this to the nth degree, we really don't need teeth at all to function. Lots of people out there have no teeth, don't or can't wear dentures, and are functioning just fine.

Now that would not be my lifestyle choice but it is reality. Dentistry, especially cosmetics and implant dentistry, is elective. In order for most people to fit this into their complex lives they need to find a way to prioritize it so that there is time and financial resources to make it work. This is no small task.

Helping our patients fit the dentistry they need or want into their lives should be something we truly think about when formulating our treatment plans.

Thanks Dr. Homoly for a great idea.