The truth is, there’s a big difference between a good dentist and a great one…
It’s how they handle complex cases. The kind that are complex, confusing and make people dread going to the dentist.
And here’s the thing…
Complex oral health problems are a reality for millions of people around the world. In fact, oral diseases are affecting 45% of the global population – that’s 3.5 billion people living with complex dental problems.
The worst part…
The majority of these complex cases require the kind of specialized experience only the best dentists have.
What you’ll learn:
- Why Experience Matters in Complex Cases
- The Most Challenging Dental Procedures
- How Seasoned Professionals Handle Difficult Situations
- Advanced Techniques That Make The Difference
Why Experience Matters in Complex Cases
Think about this…
Would you let a rookie surgeon perform brain surgery on you? Of course not. You need someone who has done this many times before. The same is true of complex oral health problems.
Experience gives dentists something textbooks can’t teach.
Veteran practitioners have seen thousands of complex cases in their career. They know the tricks to getting it right on the first try. This isn’t theory, it’s practical knowledge you can only get by seeing it in real life.
The difference between experienced and inexperienced in complex cases is…
- Experienced dentists can spot issues early on before they become a major problem. When a routine procedure could have hidden pitfalls they know how to find them and plan for them.
- Seasoned dentists are used to unexpected complications. They know how to pivot and still deliver positive results. Because even the most well thought out plans can take an unexpected turn.
- Expert practitioners understand complex cases are just as much about managing patient expectations, anxiety and treatment plans as they are about technical skill. They’re in it for the long haul, for decades not years.
The Most Challenging Dental Procedures
I want to share with you the procedures that test a dentist’s experience like no other…
- Dental implants with bone grafting – When patients don’t have enough bone density to support implants, dentists must graft bone first. This is a complex surgical procedure that requires anatomical knowledge and precision.
- Full mouth rehabilitation – There are few procedures as complex as restoring a full mouth of teeth. This requires multiple extractions, implants, crowns and bridges working in perfect harmony.
- Root canal therapy on difficult teeth – Some teeth just don’t play by the rules. Complex root canal cases have unusual roots or calcified canals that take a specialist to fix.
- Wisdom tooth extractions – Impacted wisdom teeth sound simple but can be incredibly complex to extract. Sometimes they require surgery and extreme care near nerves.
The truth is that these types of procedures can take a lifetime to master. There is no substitute for the experience of performing hundreds of cases like this.
How Seasoned Professionals Handle Difficult Situations
You might be wondering what exactly do professional experienced dentists do when confronted with a complex oral health problem…
- Obsessive planning. The dentist plans out the case in extreme detail before the first tool is picked up. X-rays are analyzed, 3D models printed, and every step is mapped out. Practicing the procedures virtually before even touching the patient is common.
- Transparent communication. Clear communication and transparency are the hallmark of experienced professionals. Dentists walk patients through the procedure, set expectations, and update them during the case. No surprises.
- Team approach. Complex oral health problems often require multiple specialists. Seasoned dentists have teams of periodontists, oral surgeons, and prosthodontists to manage complex cases. No one person does it all.
- Patient comfort. Patient anxiety and pain management is not just being nice. It’s an essential part of the process for successful outcomes. Stressed and anxious patients heal slower and experience more problems.
And here’s the most important part…
Seasoned dentists know when to refer a case to another specialist if it exceeds their experience. This is a humbling part of the job, but it’s also what makes for a great dentist.
Advanced Techniques That Make All The Difference
Experience alone doesn’t make for a great dentist for complex cases…
Experience + Advanced Techniques = Excellent Complex Case Management
Technological innovations in dentistry have given seasoned professionals powerful tools for complex cases.
- Digital planning software for pre-surgical planning and practice.
- Cone beam CT imaging for detailed 3D visualization of bone, nerves and hidden problems.
- Laser technology to precisely manage tissue and reduce bleeding.
- Sedation options to help manage patient anxiety during long procedures.
But let me remind you…
Technology in the hands of an inexperienced dentist is a waste. Experience levels the tool box.
The Real Impact of Complex Case Management
Did you know that…
Poor complex oral health problem management costs the healthcare system billions of dollars every year. Untreated dental problems cost the US economy $45.9 billion in lost productivity in 2015 alone.
Imagine the impact if experienced dentists handled all of these complex cases…
- Patients would need fewer repeat procedures. Getting it right the first time would save people time, money and frustration.
- Fewer complications would arise with experienced dentists preventing most issues before they happen.
- Longer lasting outcomes would be achieved. Proper treatment lasts decades rather than years.
- Patient satisfaction would improve. Successful outcomes of complex cases turn patients into advocates for excellent dental care.
Warning Signs You Need an Experienced Professional
Are you facing a complex oral health problem and don’t know if you need specialized expertise? Here are the red flags to look out for…
- If your treatment plan involves multiple procedures being performed together, that’s complex.
- Bone grafts, sinus lifts and surgical extractions are all indications of complex specialized care.
- If you have had previous treatment failures, you need a dentist with advanced problem solving skills.
- If you have underlying medical conditions that complicate oral treatment – such as diabetes, heart disease, blood disorders – then you need experience.
Don’t take chances with complex dental work. The difference between good and great outcomes can come down to the experience level of your dentist.
Making Smart Decisions About Complex Care
Buying complex dental care is not like buying a car or grocery shopping.
You can’t just pick the cheapest provider and hope for the best. You need to do your homework and shop intelligently.
- Ask about specific experience with the type of complex case you have. Request before and after photos. Get references from past patients with similar work.
- Find out what continuing education the dentist takes to stay on top of the latest techniques and information. Complex dentistry is an ever changing field and the best practitioners know this.
- Make sure you completely understand the treatment plan before you start. If you don’t, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Experienced dentists welcome patients who do their research and ask questions.
Wrapping It Up
Experience is what separates a good dentist from a great one when it comes to complex oral health problems. Complex cases are a reality for millions of people around the world.
These challenging situations require the kind of specialized experience only a select few dentists have. The statistics on global oral health issues and the associated costs to the healthcare system when they are not managed properly are staggering.
So don’t gamble with your oral health.
If you’re faced with a complex dental issue, find an experienced professional that has the skills, knowledge and track record to deliver the results you deserve. Your smile and your peace of mind are on the line.