A Recent White Bear Press Article
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Trips to the dental office can conjure up serious apprehensions in some people. That apprehension competes with the importance of dental work and can inhibit those people from receiving good care. However, there are efforts to change that apprehension through using new technology, office decor and design, and getting patients involved in their own choices. Dr. Paul Anderson, a dentist in White Bear Lake, is striving to make some of those elements a reality in his business. |
“Today, people want to take part in their health care,” said Anderson. “Now we can concentrate on patient education, options, informed consent and comfortable treatment.”
Monitors, displaying pictures from what could be called the “mouth cam,” can also be written on to give the patient the idea of planned dental work and provide detailed before and after images.
“Digital radiography enables us to take instant images with up to 80% less radiation, and diagnostic lasers can find decay more accurately and more easily than by a hand pick,” said Anderson. According to the doctor, the updated equipment, materials and procedures help dentists complete higher-quality work in less time and with more comfort.
Anderson's experience in dentistry, and with the people of the White Bear Lake area, have helped him to see ways to make his business better. Taking the time to listen, explain and care with each patient helps him and his full-time staff of seven to build trust, smiles and lasting relationships. It's through these relationships with his patients that Anderson sees how helping patients be more comfortable is important to dentistry.
“I think it's long overdue,” said Anderson of the changes. “I believe people are expecting more today.”
Many of the challenges in today's modern dentistry are to help people retain their teeth throughout their lives. Now, teeth are often rebuilt instead of being pulled out. Anderson thinks there is a trend to be more proactive in treatment, with more long-term results in mind. This goes along with industry advances which have provided better materials and techniques.
Other trends include the replacement of dark silver fillings with those that are bonded and match a tooth's natural enamel. Metal crowns are being replaced by natural-looking porcelain and implants, a change from years past. In addition to a better bite, there have been great advances in the cosmetic side of what dentistry can offer with composite bonding and Lumineers, and the increased satisfaction that can be achieved by having a better smile.
“I don't think I dreaded anything more than going to see the dentist,” said one of Anderson's patients. She remembered days past when trips to a dental office were painful and difficult. She thinks even now, when visits are painless, some dread remains.
“That's what we are trying to put to rest,” said Anderson.
The use of topical anesthetics, computerized injections, TV and headsets, and other new techniques are helping in Anderson's goal. The use of ultrasonic treatments, fluoride supplements, sealants and pre-treatment exams are all used to break up the fear associated with dentist visits.
“Healthy teeth and gums are important to overall health,” Anderson said, noting links between gum disease and heart disease and lower birth-weight infants. A comprehensive oral exam can provide clues to other health problems.
“We like to think we are making a difference here,” he said. “We are giving people a different experience, and helping them to make good choices about their own health care.”