In the third part of the Dental Implant Case Episode on AMP TV we realize how many topics are addressed in a surgical office when it comes to advanced surgical cases.
The diagnostic wax up process, when to include an orthodontist, immediate vs. delayed loading options, space limitations, digital vs. analog techniques, surgical guides. 3D printing, planning how many dental implants are needed for different people, designing different prosthesis. Think about how you begin to provisionalize an entire arch if you need to, what abutments to choose/design, the CBCT...the list literally can go on forever.
Then I paused and realized that none of these things matter unless a doctor and treatment coordinator can connect with a patient on a different level and the patient earns your trust and allows you to do the dentistry of today. None of the training you have gone though can be used, none of the materials can be used and none of the technology can be used unless you get a "yes" from the patient.
Of course considering all of these things listed here are critical to great dentistry; however, maybe one thing that is overlooked too often is the fact that doctor/patient relationship and understanding what is driving your patient is just as important.
Before you jump the gun and get to plan and preform a great surgical case, take the time and communicate with your patient about what is important to them. Why are they there in your office, what are they looking for or what is their primary goal going into treatment. If you take the time to learn these things about your patients and make a plan based off of what they need/want and you provide them options that allow payment to be reasonable you will always be closer to getting the "yes" you are looking for, the "yes" that allows you to do the dentistry we all love being a part of.
Planning the case and using the technology is wonderful but in my eyes, meeting someone and changing their life for the better is the greatest opportunity that we have in dentistry. That does not happen without slowing down and doing a proper consult and truly learning about what is driving your patient.
