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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
2005-01-01 09:20:00
What kind of dentistry to expect?
ANSWER: Patients seldom question what kind of dentistry they receive.  The standard of care in dentistry is really defined by what the public expects.  In dental school dental students basically learn how to repair broken teeth and make substitute teeth, so most dentists are repair specialists.  In fact, the field of dentistry has changed so much in terms of research and development that a dentist in this millennium is capable of doing a much better job than simply repairing teeth.  The "new millennium" dentist is capable of seeking education and determining how to predict and prevent damage, pain and even repairs.  Dentistry today has the ability to perform complete dentistry!  If you are simply expecting to fix teeth as they break, you are expecting to have repair dentistry performed.  However, if you are being tested and seeking complete dentistry, you are interested in a host of other things, especially keeping your teeth a lifetime with minimum of pain and a prediction for future repairs or restoration.Damage to teeth occurs in a variety of ways.  During a patient's youth, he or she experiences decay and teeth are damaged and repaired with fillings.  As individuals participate in risky behaviors, teeth may be broken or damaged because of trauma.  However, most damage to teeth occurs naturally as people age and most damage occurs because forces are not balanced.  TMJ problems, orthodontic relapse, chipped teeth and broken teeth may all originate because of forces that are not balanced.  Imagine putting a steel ball between your teeth and clenching hard.  If you were not aware of how hard you were biting; you would probably be able to bite hard enough to break your teeth.  Now imagine if you were sleeping and grinding your teeth or clenching your teeth.  The resulting damage to teeth from grinding will be wear spots, abfractions, tooth movement and broken teeth.  It is suspected that most people who grind or clench their teeth do this when they sleep or when they are stressed.  Complete dentistry will take these behaviors into account; after repairs are made, tests may be performed and the patient should be able to find out how to protect their teeth for a lifetime.    In today's world, health care has made it possible for people to live much longer than we expected even 20 years ago!  As the community responds to the health care industry, the largest concern in the future will be access to good health care. Another concern will be what kind of dental care the patient should seek.  The best investment in dental care is an investment that will minimize cost and damage to teeth and surrounding structures in the mouth.  The best answer to the question asked in this article "What kind of dentistry should I expect?" is complete dentistry - not just repair dentistry.  Seeking complete care means spending time evaluating your unique dental situation, preparing and executing a plan for treatment if it is indicated or desired and then protecting your teeth so they will be comfortable and useful for a lifetime.  Minimizing stress and force may be the most important key in this chain of events that define your dental care.
 
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