Early on in Dentistry, I learned that sometimes you just can’t have it all. Sometimes there are forces beyond your control that prevent you from getting exactly what you want immediately.
Not accepting that leads to procrastination, and that is just a slow, disappointing downhill slide.
My most successful and satisfying cases are patients who have been willing and dedicated to move forward, even if extremely slowly.
I am amazed when I see a patient that came into the office in dire straits and very discouraged about their oral health; and now three or four years later, they have decay and periodontal disease under control. They know what they have to do to maintain their health and are usually anxious to improve what they have – one small step at a time. It’s hard to do.
You are faced with so many choices and you have to be willing to candidly face your limitations, whether time or money or fear. We can always find a plan that meets your needs and addresses what we know you need. Then you need to commit.
Patients usually have one or two things that really bother them. Often it’s not the most important problem from my viewpoint. I explain that to them and tell them I would be glad to take care of that first if that is still what they want. You have to find your motivation to start the journey.
