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Is it safe?

January 23, 2011 by Ian Kerr

As dentists we are quite rightly required and expected to give our patients information about all of the various treatment options available to them and to discuss with them the advantages and disadvantages of each one, highlighting not only the benefits but also any likely concerns or risks. This is a crucial role for us and one that requires a great deal of time and no small measure of communication skills.  It is a role that we at StoneRock take very seriously and one that we pride our selves on providing a first class service in.

The discussion about treatment options usually works best when it takes  the form of a conversation; one where patients feel able to discuss honestly any fears, concerns or objections that they have about any particular procedure. At the heart of these conversations is often one over riding question “Is it safe?” Many patients fear that the procedure or indeed the materials used may harm them more than the condition we are trying to treat. These fears are often of such a level that dental treatment has been avoided to such an extent that the patient is suffering pain, infection, loss of function and loss of self esteem from the state of the mouths. Over coming these fears in a sympathetic, non judgmental manner is of primary importance if these patients are ever going to be able to receive dental treatment.  When ever possible, treatment should be provided in such away that it can accommodate the patients wishes without compromising their care. Sometimes this is not possible and the dentist, ultimately, must decide on the ethical suitability of a treatment if it is compromised beyond a reasonable level.

The question “Is it safe?” can usually be addressed in broad terms by looking at evidence from studies that look at large numbers of patients treated in a similar manner over many years. This can give us a rough idea of risk but it can never answer the question “Is it safe for me?” What a some patients want to know is, “what will happen to me in the future if you do this treatment for me?” This question is unanswerable in any meaningful way. We can never truly know what the outcome will be in an individual, only what the probable outcomes may be. This may sound like a woolly answer sometimes but it is the only honest one.

It is impossible to eliminate all risk from our lives. Ever treatment carries some risk of failure and of complications. Any material that has an effect will have a side effect. Every material will contain elements that are not “safe” in one form or another. BUT good dentistry done well can transform lives and can provide predictable, pain free results that work time and time again and that is something that, to my mind, is always worth the risk.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Dental Forum

About Ian Kerr

Dr Ian Kerr BDS qualified in 1989 from Newcastle University Dental School and has worked ever since in both private practice and hospital settings. Following a short stint in a busy general practice in the North East Dr Kerr went to live and work in Trinidad, where he learnt a wide range of surgical skills and developed an interest in the treatment of tempero-mandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). On returning to the UK in 1994 Dr Kerr worked in a prestigious private practice in Bromley in Kent. During his time there he completed extensive post graduate training in advanced restorative techniques and further advanced his interest in TMD.

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About StoneRock Dental Care

StoneRock Dental Care is a stunning dental practice in Hawkhurst, Nr Cranbrook on the Kent and East Sussex border. We provide every level of care, from routine family dental visits to complete cosmetic dental makeovers, including dental implants, teeth whitening, veneers, bridges and other cosmetic dental and facial aesthetic techniques.

We know how hard it can be to choose a dentist and we know how tough it can be to decide what treatment is right for you, therefore we put your comfort and your well being at the heart of every treatment that we provide.

You can contact us on 01580 752202 or info@stonerock.co.uk

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