Pain Relief Just a Smile Away - Page 2

There is a paradigm shift underway in our profession. It takes us from the indiscriminate preservation of teeth to the requisite preservation of bone. When we view patient radiographs, clinical recorded findings, articulated casts and photographs, as we have for decades, we must now endeavor to readjust our perspective to include the concept of retaining useable bone for life. This does not discount the restoration of teeth in the traditional fashion. It does, however, place upon the treating doctor the responsibility of: 1. Weighing risks, benefits, and costs of prolonged tooth maintenance versus bone preservation and reconstruction.

1. Weighing risks, benefits, and costs of prolonged tooth maintenance versus bone preservation and reconstruction.

2. Accurately counseling the patient about these options.

3. Providing appropriate treatment or referrals to specialists schooled in the philosophy of long term preservation and function.

The following report of a patient's desire, search, and selection of treatment is not atypical. She followed a common path in the beginning; but was fortunate to be directed by a friend to the specialists who provided the treatment, espousing the heart of the paradigm shift in today's reconstructive techniques.

Lori is a very outgoing, energetic and active 34 year-old wife, mother and student. She enjoys the ability to eat, speak and smile without difficulty, pain or embarrassment. This was not always a reality for her.

Lori remembers undergoing dental treatment since early childhood. It seemed that she went to the dentist much more frequently than her friends. She had her first root canal treatment at age ten. Despite continual visits to the dentist, there always seemed to be more to do. By age 33, she had undergone at least 5 more root canal treatments, had lost 10 teeth, had 5 current abscesses and had been in pain for most of the last 7 years. She felt that the treatment she was receiving was focused on emergency relief and not moving towards identifying her underlying problems or developing a definitive plan of care. She was in pain, depressed by the way her teeth appeared, and uncertain of who to turn to for help when a friend recommended that she see a prosthodontist for evaluation. She made the appointment.


Pre-treatment smile	Post Teeth In A Day smile