Very few people will go their whole lives without needing some type of advanced dental work. Indeed, there may come a time in your life that you need to partner with your dentist for a more complex treatment plan. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of choosing someone who will put together a personalized plan of action just for your smile.
Personalized Care
Area rugs and winter accessories excluded, very few things in life are “one size fits all” — and that is especially true when it comes to dentistry. If you require more complex treatment, you want to make sure that your dentist is evaluating your case on a personal basis. During your consultation, your dentist should walk you through the steps of your treatment plan with explanations for why each step is recommended. You should feel free to ask plenty of questions during this phase; that’s how you will know you are getting personalized care.
Comprehensive Services
There are a few treatments in particular that are often included in more complex treatment plans. Finding a dentist who offers a full list of services is a great way to make sure that all of your needs can be met in the comfort of a single office.
Some of the treatments commonly included in complex treatment plans include:
- Crowns and bridges: This is a common option for replacing missing teeth or repairing severely damaged teeth. Natural-looking all-ceramic options are available for restoring teeth in the front of the smile.
- CEREC one-visit crowns: Completed in a single visit to the office, CEREC crowns offer a more efficient and highly effective method for restoring a damaged or infected tooth.
- Dentures and partials: For multiple missing teeth, modern dentures and partials can restore the form and function of the smile while keeping any remaining natural teeth firmly in place.
- Dental implants: In some situations, treatment options like bridges or dentures just won’t work. Dental implants can provide the support your teeth need.
- Oral and periodontal surgery: Some common options for oral surgery include wisdom teeth removal, bone grafting, soft tissue grafting, and more.
- TMJ therapy: Patients suffering from a clicking, popping, painful jaw can benefit from TMJ therapy as part of a larger, complex treatment plan.
- Cosmetic dentistry: Once the teeth are healthy, cosmetic dentistry services (like porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, and more) can make the smile truly dazzle.
Continuing Education
A dentist is not finished with their education once they finish dental school. If you need more complex care, make sure you are choosing someone who values continuing education. Indeed, creating treatment plans for complex needs requires advanced education beyond dental school. There are plenty of opportunities for dentists and dental specialists to continue growing in their fields — and membership in groups like the American Dental Association can help to ensure that they stay up-to-date on the latest advances in the field.
Don’t Put Off Necessary Dental Care
If there comes a point that your smile requires more complex dental care, keep the above factors in mind to ensure that you receive a personalized treatment plan from your dentist. Your smile will benefit in a big way!
Meet the Dentist
Dr. L. Blaine Kennington is an experienced dentist who has decades of experience putting together complex treatment plans. If you are in need of specialized dental care, do not hesitate to get in touch with Cowlitz River Dental by calling (360) 274-9100 today.