Everyone is interested in bad news, but no one wants to be part of it.
That seems to be the problem for a lot of patients in the dental office. Many patients come in warning me, “You’re going to find a lot of big problems.”
Usually I don’t. Some people tell me they have teeth that are about to fall out. Not likely.
Many patients say, “I know this is going to cost a fortune.” That depends on how much and how fast. And it’s not likely to get cheaper ignoring it.
Fear of bad news makes people procrastinate, and procrastination makes small problems bigger. Everyone who comes in knows this is the case, so I make it a point not to dwell on why it took so long to come in. Any problem can be managed (usually easier than you think) and you’ve taken the first step, you just have to keep walking and we will eventually get there. Dental problems are not insurmountable, and there are simple steps to take to get them under control.
Recently a patient came into our office with some very loose teeth in the lower front. She was a little distraught over the possibility of losing them and volunteered that was why she postponed coming. After a thorough exam and evaluating xrays, I explained that sometimes we can bond a wire to the back of these teeth and reinforce them very easily. That was exactly the solution she was looking for and she wished she had come in sooner. Unfortunately, patients don’t realize how easily some problems can be solved.
As long as you are making progress toward a permanent solution, it does not have to be solved immediately. Most dentists understand and are willing to help. Find one today.
