Not Just Another Day

So last week, something happened that was more typical than you might think. And it was more about a life than a tooth.
This time around, the dentist wasn’t really a factor. The patient didn’t receive any anesthetic and wasn’t bothered by the sound of any power tools. The appointment didn’t last more than a few minutes. But a life…and maybe even a family, was changed, even transformed.
About a month ago, one of my Equinox Fitness spin class buddies Facebooked me, wanting to know “How much for a cleaning?” And I’m always super-excited when a friend calls to visit our practice for the first time; can’t wait to be the gracious host and treat first-timers like family…even when she’s an apologist for the stinkin’ Miami Heat and I’m a Celtics/Clippers diehard (and yeah, even though I’m a Trojan, we also couldn’t be more gracious and compassionate with our long-suffering Bruin fans.)
I responded immediately if not sooner and shared our website’s New Patient Experience offer for a comprehensive exam (including an intraoral camera tour, blood pressure, oral cancer, and sleep apnea screening), full mouth digital X-rays and a thorough periodontal charting and initial care or cleaning. I also mentioned our complimentary paraffin hand care (You’re gonna love it; everyone does!”)
I didn’t quite get the response I was expecting. The super-fit, awesome looking health fanatic mom in question replied, “But I only want a cleaning.”
I explained standard of care and the legal guidelines for new patients and shared our practice’s goal to see our patients as family. No response. I followed up, “Hope I didn’t scare you.” No response.
Well, at least we still have the NBA and spin class.
Last week’s experience touched us all. The patient was truly family for two of my co-workers, both of whom I love and respect and both of whom add value to every minute of my life…just like “family.”
A diagnosis of advanced periodontal disease had been made following a routine first visit; our 38 year-old husband and dad had committed to a series of treatments aimed at managing an oral bacterial infection that’s a leading cause of tooth loss. Especially during the last decade, research has also explored relationships between the disease and systemic concerns such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and, in the case of young women, low-weight premature births.
Dental Hygienist Extraordinaire Lisa (everyone in Lisa’s family is a dentist or dental student if we stop at her dad, uncle, twin brother and husband) had attempted beginning active care twice. Both times, high blood pressure readings ended the appointments prematurely.
The second rescheduling wasn’t for us; it was about lining up an overdue medical check-up. The visit to a physician confirmed the hypertension on the spot; the blood panel results would be available shortly. Last week, the results were in.
A diagnosis of Type II diabetes was added to the earlier hypertension discovery. Both diabetes and hypertension are chronic and episodic diseases with insidious onsets, just like periodontal disease. All three diseases are frequently shared; as are the dire consequences of lack of care.
Loved ones who manage periodontal disease live an average 7 years longer. Imagine the impact of an undiagnosed disease, present and stealing away years of life, family, and love, but for 5-10 minutes spent at a dental visit.
Don’t know about you; all I need to do is close my eyes and see my diabetic dad who took high blood pressure medication and died at my age…and the dental visit that never happened.
Well, now you know why I love having family like Dental Hygienist Extraordinaire Lisa.
And…there’s a super-fit Miami Heat fan I’ll see sometime soon in spin class who’s gonna get a copy of this commentary.
(Source: Written by Jack Von Bulow, DDS for the Arcadia Patch on July 28, 2013)

For exceptional restorative and cosmetic dentistry for your family, call Temple City Dental Care at 626.283.5504 today or use our convenient online Request an Appointment form.