Following Your Dentist’s Advice is Vital
After decades of practice, I’ve learned that following your dentist’s advice is crucial. Although ignoring it may seem harmless initially, the long-term consequences can be more serious than expected.
A recent experience with a patient I’ve treated for years serves as a perfect reminder of this truth.
This patient has taken good care of his teeth over the years, and most of his visits have been for routine cleanings and checkups. Recently, however, he started coming in more frequently for issues that needed attention.
Maybe We Should Replace That Tooth
A few months ago, he visited my office complaining about something sharp on the upper right side of his mouth.
After a closer look, I found an old molar crown had broken, leaving a sharp edge and exposing the tooth’s root. Worse yet, the dental cement holding the crown in place had started to break down, creating an opening for bacteria to get inside and cause decay.
At that moment, I recommended we replace the broken crown. That was the best solution to avoid further problems down the line. But there was more to the story.
Right in front of that broken crown was a large gap—a space where we had removed a bicuspid years earlier.
I had suggested a dental implant at the time, but the patient opted against it.
Bridging the Gap
That empty space remained for years, and although I had brought up the idea of an implant again, he wasn’t interested.
When we discussed replacing the broken crown, I mentioned that since we’d be working on the tooth next to it anyway, this could be an opportunity to fix the gap with a bridge. I knew that leaving the space unaddressed could create more problems later.
He thought it over for a week and ultimately decided against the bridge. He just wanted to fix the broken tooth, so I respected his wishes and did the crown.
Fast forward to this week—he came in with swelling on his upper left side. This time, the issue was more serious. His last tooth on that side was infected, and the gum and bone had deteriorated to the point where the tooth had to be removed.
The cause? Overuse.
He had been chewing mainly on the left side for years because of that missing tooth on the right side. The imbalance stressed the teeth on the left, eventually leading to infection and bone loss.
Repercussions of a Poor Decision
He realized that if he had followed my recommendation to replace the missing tooth years ago, he likely wouldn’t have ended up losing another tooth.
The decision not to follow through on treatment set off a chain reaction, leading to bigger problems later.
In healthcare, choosing not to act when recommended can have serious consequences.
These issues may not show up right away, but over time, they can catch up with you. I’ve seen firsthand what happens when patients ignore their dentist’s advice and treatment plans and what doesn’t happen when they embrace care at the right time.
Let’s Talk
If there’s something you’ve been putting off regarding your dental health, I urge you to reconsider. Taking action now can save you from more severe issues down the road.
Let’s talk and figure out the best plan for you—call me at 440.951.7856.
Jeffrey Gross, DDS, FAGD, is a highly qualified and experienced general dentist licensed in Ohio. He is also a respected Case Western Reserve School of Dental Medicine staff member.