Why Do Dentists Talk So Much?

Because it is so important and matters to you. In modern dentistry, there is at least three ways to fix your teeth. So, the old method of " The doctor knows the best" and telling the patient what to do is over. I often say to the patient, "I can't make you a dentist and you don't want to be." But I want you to make educated decisions on the treatment suggestions. Sometimes, patient thinks I am suggesting what is most expensive treatment for them. If that happens, it is a failed communication between the dentist and the patient. After all, there is no cheap treatment. All dental treatments are expensive, aren't they? All dental treatment is profitable in dentist's point of view! Simply, I would make more money by doing "fillings" without talking to a patient. But that is not the point. Point is what would patient benefit the most and patient know what patient have decided.

Clear example of this is whether tooth should be treated with root canal treament or implant treament should be done by taking the tooth out. It is a heated debate in dental profession as well and dentists argue over what is the best for the patient. But, to make a long story short, real issue is what is the best for the patient and what is the least invasive procedure to start. It shouldn't not be based on the money. Actually, nowadays, the cost of each procedure is about the same anyway(root canal, post& core, and crown vs. implant surgery and implant crown). But if I were patient myself, I would like to know myself whether my dentist "explore" all the possible measures before taking the tooth out. That might means root canal treatment first and see if the tooth can be saved first.

A lot of dentistry is two minutes waiting game. Dentist have to wait a lot, believe or not. Dr. Seuss is so right. Life is full of waiting room. So, I would like to talk while I am waiting. I haven't found any more powerful drug to calm my patient( especially kids) down than talking. Adult find comfort knowing that I am a good guy. Kids finds that I am goofy and then they start to relax more. That's why I am so chatty.