A good relationship with a trusted oral surgeon in your area is crucial. Dental surgeons do more than just pull wisdom teeth. You see them for everything from implants to jaw surgery, and they even help treat facial injuries and manage oral diseases. The reality is that as we age, we begin to need more healthcare, and that extends to that dental doctor down the road from Cincinnati too.
A positive and communicative relationship with a local oral surgeon can lead to better outcomes, reduced dental anxiety, and an overall positive experience. Here’s why it matters.
Trust and Comfort are the Hallmarks of a Good Dental Relationship
Open communication with your dental surgeon is paramount to a good experience. It allows you to be an active participant in your own healthcare instead of standing by and having someone tell you what to do. A skilled oral surgeon who listens closely understands your concerns and allows them to tailor your treatment plans to better match your needs. They can also anticipate complications based on your medical history, leading to safer and more effective care.
Most importantly, trust and communication between a patient and a dental surgeon in their area helps demystify the surgical process. Having a complete understanding of the procedure allows you to feel better prepared for surgery day, and—more importantly—it greatly reduces dental anxiety.
A Compassionate Oral Surgeon Helps Reduce Anxiety
Plenty of folks deal with dental anxiety. It’s one of the leading phobias, but a friendly dental surgeon who cares for their patients can significantly reduce it. A beaming smile, deliberate communication, and a willingness to answer questions goes a long way in dispelling fears. Developing a human connection between you and the oral surgeon around the corner from you makes a profound difference in your experience.
Developing a Good Rapport with an Oral Surgeon Near You Contributes to Long-Term Oral Health
It can’t be overstated that having a solid relationship with a dental surgeon in your area is beneficial to your oral health over time. A trusted dental doctor can provide valuable insights into your oral health needs. And maintaining a good rapport with one allows them to have a deeper understanding of your specific needs. If you shop around from surgeon to surgeon, they’re not going to know your oral medical history in the same way that one would who you’ve been seeing for multiple years.
What Contributes to a Good Patient-Surgeon Relationship?
Just like nearly any other relationship out there, maintaining friendliness and trust between you and the dental surgeon who’s only a short drive away requires upkeep and mutual respect.
Patients have the following responsibilities when seeing their oral surgeon for a checkup or an operation:
- Be prepared and on-time for appointments
- Ask questions and actively listen to your surgeon
- Follow pre and post-op instructions to the best of your capabilities
- Communicate issues or concerns
- Show respect for your surgeon and their team
Surgeons have the following responsibilities to help build a relationship with their patients:
- Communicate clearly and empathetically
- Listen to patient concerns and respond appropriately
- Provide detailed explanations of procedures and risks
- Maintain an approachable yet professional persona
- Ensure availability for post-op questions and concerns
Keeping a positive relationship between you and your well-liked oral surgeon has lasting benefits. Dental anxiety all but goes away when you’re familiar with the person who’s operating on you. It also fosters proactive care, which allows for early intervention and management of potential oral health issues. It’s also just plain old nice to know you have someone in your court when it comes to your oral health.
