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Dr Paul F Mitsch
Paul F. Mitsch, D.M.D. believes that this is such an exciting time to be a dentist. Innovations and refinements in technology and treatment options are introduced continually. To maintain a leading edge, he has added to his educational foundation with advanced training in the newest of the new techniques. Education: D.M.D. Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri. B.A., Biology, University of California at San Diego. Fellowships: Academy of General Dentistry, Academy of Dentistry International, and The International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Associate Fellowships: American College of Oral Implantology, American Society of Osseointegration. You can reach Dr. Paul Mitsch at (316) 775-2482 or stop by his office in Augusta at 401 State Street in the historical downtown district.
Dental
2004-10-01 15:07:00
‘Long term treatment plan’ in dentistry?
ANSWER: In dentistry, the cost of maintaining teeth is directly proportional to the preventative plans you make.  The dental work you have by the time you are an adult must be maintained and will usually not last a lifetime.  Elective or opportunistic work is typically scheduled after maintenance work in an adult's treatment plan.  There is an appropriate order of events which would suggest that opportunities be taken after required treatment is completed.  For individuals with families, elective care is generally put off so that the children's treatments are the first priority.  So how do we gain enough information to make the proper judgment in terms of planning for dental work in the future?  How should we find out about what to really expect after watching shows like Extreme Makeover?For our children we must try to minimize future dental costs as much as possible.  Check-up appointments are really only a start.  Nutritional counseling with the dentist or dietician may be the most important part of preventative planning.  High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a nutrient in drinks and foods that has no real nutritional value and is harmful to us in terms of our future and existing dental work.  Counseling patients about nutritional or harmful habits is one of the true forms of preventative care.  By changing behaviors such as the intake of HFCS, our families are more likely to avoid dental expenses caused by such behaviors.  Instead, we are able to treat family members who need or want care.  Therefore, it is important to evaluate both the immediate and long-term needs of our children in order to focus our resources on valuable elective care or needed maintenance care.The next step in determining the level of treatment we need is a careful analysis of what we have, what we may need in the future and what we may qualify for in terms of elective or opportunistic treatment (such as cosmetic dentistry).  With diagnostic tools today, the dentist is able to provide the patient with information including x-rays, photographs, short informative movies and even mock-up models to better explain present and future treatments needed or wanted.  The patient then is in a position to make choices in terms of his or her treatment plan. Patients would never consider plastic surgery without having an expected outcome.  In dentistry, it is important that the patient tries to obtain as much information as possible regarding the "outcome" of the patient's future treatment to assure satisfaction.  In addition, with dentists and patients leaving or transferring areas so often, it is important that the information be transportable for the patient so that the next dentist can edit or amend the existing plan rather than start over.The treatment plan, then, is the basis for needed care to be prioritized and the foundation for future treatment be based upon.  It is an important tool for families and individuals to consider when choosing treatment and doctors.  Treatment plans in families should be integrated and transportable so patients understand their obligations to assure their satisfaction with their dental treatment in the future.  Thus, a\ well-organized dental treatment plan for an individual, family member or child turns dreaded dental visits into visits that are productive and enjoyable!  Next time you visit a dentist, ask that you receive a full report of your existing dental condition and request a full treatment plan.  For more information, the ADA at http://www.ada.org/ is a good reference.
 
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