“Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” -Mother Teresa
By Dr. Sunita Merriman
Our smile is our calling card. Luckily, it is an exciting time to be a patient at a progressive dental practice. Never before have had you had such an array of technologies, materials and information available to help you get the healthy and beautiful smile you’ve always wanted.
The connection between your oral health and your general health and well-being is well documented. The emotional and social benefits of having an attractive smile are not anecdotal; they are absolutely true. Individuals with an attractive smile are more successful in business and enjoy higher social engagement. Your dental needs may vary from a preventive care visit every six months to a total reconstruction due to severe breakdown of your teeth. Or you may not be happy with the shape, color or size of your teeth. Maybe you have pain in your TMJ (jaw joints) and have difficulty opening your mouth comfortably or are grinding your teeth. You need an experienced and knowledgeable dentist to diagnose and create a treatment plan that will address your needs. Your dentist should have your long-term optimal health in mind when suggesting treatments.
“What should I know about a practice before becoming a patient there?”
I get asked that question on a regular basis. A great practice does not just rely on technology and procedures to give their patients a healthy smile. A great practice focuses on their patients as unique individuals and has a definitive philosophy with which they serve. The team should work well together with the common goal of giving their patients exceptional care. Look for a facility that is clean, an environment that is welcoming and a vibe that is positive.
Recommend treatment. You should feel empowered by the trust you have in your dental team to make the right decisions about your health. Be confident about the skills and talents of your dental team. This team should value continuing education and always be improving. Such attention to learning provides a distinct advantage to the practice’s patients who receive the most up-to-date dental information and the latest in treatment options. This team should go the extra mile for all their patients. The dentist at a practice who spends time with patients and listens to their concerns, needs and desires in a manner that is optimal for the patient means that all their issues will be fully addressed. In other words, the practice should provide custom care individualized for each patient. It is easy to know if an office is top notch–you should be able to feel the passion and commitment from the moment you walk in and are greeted by the staff. Getting the smile you’ve dreamed of is not as hard as you might think. Complete care dentistry helps keep your teeth younger-looking longer. Good health is the most precious gift we can give ourselves and is the wisest investment we can make for our future. After all, you deserve it. Remember, your smile is a reflection of you! As Martin Charnin, creator and director of the Broadway show “Annie” said, “You’re never fully dressed without a smile.”
Dr. Sunita Merriman practices dentistry for one reason – she cares about the health of her patients. She works hard to make her practice a special place where patients can feel listened to, cared for and valued.
