‘Patients (are) sometimes being offered treatments that have only minor benefit.’ We hear that doctors have been told to stop doing pointless treatments and tell patients that doing nothing can often be the best approach. Patients often expect their GPs to give them a prescription or refer them for an operation, rather than being told to take control of their own condition, by changing their lifestyle. For dentistry, in many ways, it is worse. Patients may welcome being told ‘nothing needs doing’, but resent being asked to pay a patients charge of £17 for the privilege of hearing this. Many may well prefer having a scale and polish to be told that it is their responsibility to keep their mouths plaque free. Professor Dame
Tag: treatment
Root of the Problem: Why You May Want That Root Canal
By mendy rThe fear of having the root of your tooth removed and replaced is unreasonable in many ways. Some people have even developed phobias of root canals, which further reinforces their fear of the dentist. Contrary to what you might believe, root canals are generally good things. They can help to prevent you from losing teeth, prevent infection and help the overall health of your mouth when they’re performed by a competent dentist. Let’s examine four reasons as to why you might want that root canal. 1. Inflammation Pulpitis occurs when the soft nerve tissue inside of the tooth, otherwise known as the nerve, becomes inflamed. Given the tight confines of this nerve, this can lead to painful aches when biting or drinking liquids that