Are you using facts or fear?

Striking fear in your patients about the consequences of not completing a recommended treatment plan may seem like a direct approach, but it often won’t get you anywhere.

Before putting together a plan for a patient, we need to have a heart-to-heart conversation about what’s most important to them and help them to make the best decision for themselves and their health. 

This conversation should also include timing. Is this the best time for them in their life?  Sometimes that’s a yes and sometimes we need to have a way to get them through a time period before they are ready to commit to the treatment plan.

Either way, there can be several consequences of not completing a dental treatment plan, including:

• Pain and Discomfort: Dental problems left untreated can become more severe, causing pain, sensitivity, and discomfort.
• Tooth Loss: Dental issues such as decay, gum disease, or infections left untreated can result in tooth loss.
• Spread of Infection: An untreated infection can spread to other parts of the body, leading to more severe health issues.
• Expensive Treatment: Delaying or avoiding dental treatment can result in more extensive and expensive procedures down the line.
• Compromised Oral Health: Neglecting dental care can lead to a compromised oral health condition that can affect your overall well-being.
• Aesthetic Problems: An incomplete dental treatment plan can leave visible aesthetic issues that can affect self-confidence and self-esteem.
• Difficulty Eating and Speaking: Dental problems left untreated can affect your ability to eat and speak correctly, leading to a decrease in quality of life.
• Chronic Bad Breath: An untreated dental infection or gum disease can cause chronic bad breath, which can affect your personal and professional relationships.
• Emergency Dental Visits: Neglecting dental care can lead to sudden dental emergencies, which can result in more costly and complicated treatments.
• Systemic Health Issues: Oral health is closely linked to overall health. Untreated dental issues can increase the risk of developing systemic health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

By not completing a dental treatment plan, a patient can face several consequences, ranging from pain and discomfort to serious health issues. It is crucial to maintain regular dental check-ups and follow through with recommended treatments to prevent oral health problems and maintain optimal overall health.

Having these discussions with patients can make a huge difference if we are leading with our hearts and have their best interest in mind for all recommendations. Knowing our patients and their personal situations creates trust, empathy, and a long-term relationship.