In life we should gravitate toward those we trust. We receive advice and form the structure of our lives from mentors, principles, truths, life experiences, and other sources. One mentor that I have enjoyed is Dr. Michael Schuster. Dr. Schuster is a man that has dedicated himself to learning. He has mastered the sciences of dentistry, of identifying disease, and of restoring current conditions to an ideal state. He has also studied and learned a tremendous amount about human behavior. In fact, I consider him a master of human behavior.
One of the principles I have learned from Dr. Schuster, and which we apply at Cannon Family Dental is that of Co-Discovery. This means that you discover the condition and health of your mouth at the same time that I discover it. This discovery occurs during a dental examination.
With technology available to us today we utilize small cameras that fit within your mouth to take video or pictures of your teeth. We utilize digital x-rays to capture images of your teeth showing conditions between and within the teeth. We have monitors positioned so that you can easily see the images that we capture. We also utilize a diagnostic laser which measures the density of your enamel and predicts whether the enamel is healthy or is forming a cavity.
I enjoy showing patients what healthy enamel looks like, and what a cavity looks like on the x-ray. Many times the patient discovers a cavity on their x-ray at the same time that I do. They have learned what health looks like, and what the current condition of their mouth is.
If there is a discrepancy between ideal health and current conditions, then the next step in the process is to discuss with the patient their options. How can we accomplish ideal oral health? What materials are available for us and what advantages and disadvantages does each material present? A very important part of the decision making is to determine what the patient wants.
The patient helps me to understand their goals regarding their mouth. Together we create a unique, ideal plan for restoring their mouth and teeth, or maintaining their mouth and teeth in an ideal healthy state.
Other principles involved in this process are those of integrity, trust, respect, quality, value, relationship, and teamwork.
I imagine that most people find great joy in organizing and creating. Gardens, homes, our environment can all be organized and we can create feelings and beauty through effort and the creative process. At Cannon Family Dental we enjoy working with our patients to organize and create beauty, comfort, and long lasting and healthy conditions.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]