From time to time I find a dental article about the importance of having a ‘blueprint’ in regards to the desired result of cosmetic treatment. I’ve yet to read one as thorough and well-laid out as Dr. Mechanic’s article in the April Oral Health. So much of what he says is perfectly logical and makes so much sense I wonder why every dentist doesn’t just routinely follow these relatively simple techniques, ensuring predictable results. The word ‘predictable’ is key. Why would anyone deliberately choose uncertainty over predictability in their work?
When things go awry from lack of planning and from the failure to work out details before starting an actual restoration, it may shake a patient’s faith in their dentist. In my years in Crown & Bridge I’ve come across so many instances of clients wanting to rush the end product without a reasonable idea of what it will be. I do my best with every case and try to envision what will please dentist and patient, but without proper information I have to guess at several critical issues. Guessing is a recipe for failure.
There’s an old adage I’ve often referred to: ‘there never seems to be time to do things right, but there’s always time to re-do it’. However, if Dr. Mechanic doesn’t mind, perhaps I’ll use one of his as well: “Meticulous treatment planning is the secret to having a happy patient”.
Philip M. Green, RDT
President Vertex Dental Arts Ltd.
vertexdental@bellnet.ca
