Norwalk Dentist on Avoiding Dental Overtreatment Through Evidence-Based Care

As a patient, you want to receive the best possible care when visiting the dental clinic. You trust the dentists will guide you to this goal and agree with any treatment they suggest.

However, these treatments may not even be necessary or beneficial to you.

Overtreatment is a common issue in dentistry that can increase dental care costs and even harm your teeth. Today, a Norwalk-based dentist will teach us how to identify and avoid overtreatment when visiting a clinic.

Understanding Overtreatment

Overtreatment occurs when a patient receives more treatment than necessary.
While dentists want the best for their patients, the line between necessary and excessive treatment can often blur.

This overtreatment can cause discomfort, weaken dental structures, and lead to complications. It can also be a financial burden for some because dental insurance may not cover the cost of all procedures.

Why Do Dentists Overtreat?

Some dentists suggest excessive treatments for financial gain. However, most do it to provide better, more thorough care. Overtreatment on the dentist's part may be due to the following reasons.

1. Fear of Missing Something
Dentists may be concerned about missing a potential oral problem. Therefore, they recommend a more extensive treatment plan to cover all bases.

2. Desire to Provide Optimal Care
Some dentists genuinely believe that a more comprehensive treatment plan is necessary for optimal oral health.

3. Limited Understanding of Your Needs
Your dentist may not know your medical history, lifestyle, or oral health habits. This lack of familiarity with your needs may lead to them recommending unnecessary treatments.

Types of Overtreatment
There are various types of dental overtreatment. Let's look at some of the most common ones.

- Filling Pre-cavities
Some dentists may recommend filling pre-cavities. These areas appear as light stains on the teeth and are likely to develop into cavities. However, in most cases, patients can repair these pre-cavities by avoiding sugar or getting a dental fluoride treatment.

- Recommending Inlays
Inlays are pre-molded fillings sometimes used for repairing multiple cavities on a single tooth. They are larger than traditional fillings but smaller than crowns. While these restorations preserve more of the tooth's natural enamel, they often cost more and accomplish the same goal as a crown. Hence, they might seem like overtreatment to some patients.

- Performing Unnecessary Root Canals
Root canal treatment is a routine procedure for saving an infected or severely damaged tooth. However, sometimes dentists may recommend a root canal when it's unnecessary. They can treat the tooth with a less invasive and more conservative approach. Performing a root canal procedure on teeth with minor issues can lead to removing healthy tooth structures and be considered overtreatment.

- Extracting Healthy Teeth
Tooth extractions are sometimes necessary for oral health. However, some dentists may recommend extracting teeth that are salvageable through other methods, such as fillings or crowns. Overly aggressive extractions can lead to unnecessary tooth loss and cause potential complications.

- Overplacing Dental Implants
The growth of the global cosmetic implants market is leading to a rise in the popularity of dental implants for replacing missing teeth. Over five million implants are placed annually in the US alone. Due to their popularity, many patients may not object when their dentists recommend implants. However, dentists may recommend more implants than the patient needs. Overplacing dental implants can result in higher treatment costs and potential complications.

How to Avoid Overtreatment

To avoid overtreatment, you must be as informed as possible. Here are some tips to help you make more informed decisions about your dental care.

1. Ask Questions
The Norwalk dentist at Alondra Dental Care encourages patients to ask as many questions as possible. Engaging in this conversation helps you take charge of your dental care and prevent excessive procedures.

Some of the questions you can ask your dentist when they recommend a treatment include:

What does this treatment involve?
What are the alternatives?
What are the costs?
What happens if I choose to wait?
Can I get a second opinion?

Alondra Dental Care: https://www.alondradental.com/

2.Get Multiple Opinions
Don't hesitate to seek a second or even a third opinion if the treatment plan your dentist recommends doesn't seem right. Consulting other dentists will give you a better understanding of your oral health needs and alternative treatment options.

3. Understand Evidence-based Care

One of the best strategies for avoiding overtreatment is choosing dentists who practice evidence-based care. Look for dentists who make decisions based on scientific research and data. These dentists rely on the latest research to determine the most effective treatments for your needs. They should be able to cite recent studies and guidelines from reputable sources to support their recommendations.

Be a Diligent Patient to Receive the Best Dental Care

Overtreatment is a common problem that sets patients back thousands of dollars. However, you can take control of your oral health and avoid overtreatment by being an informed patient and using the above tips. Keep track of your dental history, ask about prevention, and communicate with your dentist to ensure your dental needs are met without unnecessary treatments. If you're ever in doubt, remember: your mouth, your choice!

Alondra Dental Care
10927 Alondra Blvd Norwalk, CA 90650 USA
Website: https://www.alondradental.com/
PR Contact: Hope Algeo
hope@alondradental.com

Alondra Dental Care is a full-service dental practice located in Norwalk, California, which serves the surrounding Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Our dental services range from porcelain veneers, dental crowns, and bridges to help you meet your oral health needs.

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We use the latest dental technology, including x-ray imaging and teeth cleaning lasers that help remove disease, regenerate healthy gums, and reduce the risk of infection. At Alondra Dental Care, our doctors take your health seriously and ensure your safety and comfort are our priority.
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We do our best to provide you with convenient and accessible dental care by offering extended hours on certain days, appointment reminders, and answers to questions in the office, over the phone, or via email.