Being a dentist Chelsea in the twenty-first century requires an approach that is designed to offer a patient a positive experience from end to end. From the time a patient enters a dental surgery they want to experience a calm and comfortable environment. All the dental staff will be able to identify a patient’s needs from their demeanour. Training in the area of dental phobia allows the surgery staff to not only identify these, but also be able to offer a reassuringly comforting approach. Dentistry has become more focused on the psychological aspect which has helped all the surgery staff to be part of the ‘chairside manner’. It’s not just the dentist who must have a sympathetic manner, the entire staff are part of the team and must all play their part.
Relationships lead to trust
The art of listening is all part of communicating and today’s patient is better informed and mostly has a reasonable idea of what they expect from a dentist. Patients today are more proactive and understand that prevention is better than correction. The advent of smartphones, social profiles and communication networks demonstrate that patients today rely heavily on trust. A dentist is in the unique position that the work involved is upfront and personal. Building a relationship with a patient allows both parties to be candid. This trust gives a dentist the opportunity to tell a patient exactly what their condition may be, what has caused it and how best to treat the problem. The patient is able to ask questions and discuss and put their point of view, this relationship helps alleviate dental phobia.
Treatment designed around the patient
Dental science has very cleverly embraced technology to enhance the procedures, equipment and techniques employed to deliver ever improving treatment. Even virtual examinations using mobile phone technology have helped to bring the patient and the dentist closer. Teeth lost as a result of decay or due to accident can now be replaced using a technique which mimics how our natural teeth work. Progress has produced an alternative to dentures and bridges, which offer relief but have their own drawbacks. Dental implants which are inserted into the gum, using a titanium post which fuses with the jawbone creating a firm and stable base, like a natural tooth root. A crown which is coloured and shaped to look like your natural teeth is set on top of an abutment providing an almost perfect tooth replacement. One dental implant can support up to four crowns in a row and four implants can support an entire mouthful of teeth. Malocclusion or misaligned teeth treatment has also benefited greatly from dental science and technology. Braces have undergone an amazing change and are far removed from the cumbersome and uncomfortable appliance used decades ago. A new type of teeth-straightening apparatus is also now used which looks like a gum shield and does not employ the usual blocks, wires and bands. Self-adjusting braces and braces that fit on the inside of the teeth which makes them less visible are also available.
Expertise that provides more than just dental care
Training in the head, neck and shoulders, skin, bone and muscle provides dentists with a unique knowledge which has allowed them to provide more than just dental care. Using this knowledge dentists can also provide cosmetic and aesthetic treatments. If a patient is looking to reduce the signs of ageing, where better to seek treatment than at your dentist with whom you already have a candid relationship.