Unfortunately, many patients dread their dental care appointments. Professional dental care is vital if you are to continue to enjoy a healthy smile or the function of your natural teeth for life. At Ipswich Dental Surgery, we believe that having a good relationship with your dentist in Ipswich plays a critical role in helping you maintain excellent oral health.
Regular preventive dental care at the hands of a professionally qualified and experienced dentist in Ipswich goes a long way in promoting long-term dental health, which in turn, improves your quality of life. You are more likely to be proactive about maintaining good oral health if you have a positive patient relationship with your dentist in Ipswich.
Reasons why a good patient experience matters
It is easy to build a good rapport with a dentist you find to be understanding, caring and trustworthy. Even better is when your dentist is a good communicator. All these desirable traits in a dentist work together to improve the quality of care you receive and ensure that your dental care treatment plan is tailored to your dental health needs and goals. The following are some of the positives of establishing a good relationship with your dentist.
Your dentist will have first-hand knowledge of your oral health history. Dental conditions impact and are impacted by other physical and mental health concerns. For example, having gum disease may increase your risk of cardiovascular problems, or if you are diabetic, you may find that you are more prone to experience problems with your dental health. The longer you stick with one dentist, the better they will get to know your medical and oral health history, which is integral in mapping out your dental care treatment plan.
Having a good relationship with your dentist will mitigate any anxiety or fears you may have about dental care. The high prevalence of dental phobia means that a large percentage of the population avoids seeking the professional dental help they need. They delay critical treatment to suffer needless pain and discomfort. Having an open relationship with your dentist will help you be honest about your anxieties so that the dental practitioner can find ways to reduce your fears and make you more comfortable when you are in the dental chair.
How to develop a positive rapport with your dentist
Make sure to ask as many questions as necessary during your appointment. If it is a consultation for a specific type of treatment, know the full benefits, pros and cons that apply to each option so that you can make an informed decision. If you have received treatment, make sure you have understood the aftercare advice to minimise the chance of side effects.
The more information you offer your dentist regarding your oral health situation or changes in medical history, the easier it will be for them to find the most suitable dental solution and treatment plan for you.
At Ipswich Dental Surgery, our dentist looks forward to building a fantastic relationship with each patient, which is why many of our patients stay with us in the long term. Call us now to schedule an appointment with a friendly and caring dentist.
