I spend a good part of my day addressing the short and long term ramifications of care. It is very common that experiences arise where a black and white decision surrounding care is not clear.

For example is a dental filling sufficient when a medium to large part of the tooth is missing, or is a crown always needed to sufficiently support the tooth? Do all symptomatic wisdom teeth need to come out? What is to be done with a sensitive tooth when there appears to be no apparent problem? If the patient has interest in integrative care how is that choice factored in, compared to a more traditional treatment path?

Since the answer is not always written in the sky, the core element that is the relationship between the dentist and patient becomes front and center. But what does this look like, and what are the roles that need to be taken by both the patient and dentist? Are expected outcomes always assured? How is the patient supposed to see through all this in order to achieve the results that are best for them? So how does a patient choose?

In order to make an appropriate decision on one hand does the patient need to immerse themselves in the technical elements that make up the various options available to them, as if they were in dental school. Or on the other hand due to the overwhelming emotional nature that surrounds dental care does the patient just default to a wild guess?

Wow! All Great questions, but a little intense huh? This begins to explore the gaps that I mentioned earlier, and this is where tooth sense comes into play. For these and other scenarios the mind works to resolve or cope, in order to find a solution.

What is at the heart of this dilemma is not the decision making process but the dilemma itself. Any confusion, frustration or a host or myriad of emotions and feelings are at the heart of the obstacles that are at play. Many times a step back or some other strategy meant to access another perspective many times is all that is required. Any nagging persistence is still that pesky insistence I call the subjective experience. Seeing or feeling something to be so true that no other view is plausible in that moment. It takes that new perspective, that breather in most cases to see the objective state, which most times reveal the proper or appropriate answer, the truth, or at least the truth as it relates to that situation.

What is the most troublesome is the pattern of decision making, especially when those patterns that drive a subjective experience does not allow us to see clearly enough so that we can achieve a positive outcome. I will be spending some time on this very important facet in future blog posts, as there is much to share and explore. So for now let’s both of us take a breather! Have a great day.

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Welcome to our practice!

We are pleased that you have chosen us to care for your dental needs.  We want you to know that we are committed to providing you the highest quality of oral health care, in a caring and efficient manner.

We are Progressive-Dentistry, LLC and our credo is Your Option ~Your Choice.  We feel this is imperative to optimize your oral health.  This is a team approach, and for that reason, your experience may be different from previous care.  You will be supported and even challenged.

During your first visit, we will conduct a thorough examination, using various diagnostic techniques.  This may include a thorough oral exam, microscopic evaluation of your plaque, a cleaning and any necessary x-rays, using a special laser designed for early cavity detection.

To optimize your initial visit, we have enclosed our health questionnaire(s).  Please complete it and bring it to your visit.  Your appointment card is attached.

Our office is located at 109 Main Street (also known as Rt. 523), Whitehouse Station, NJ.  It is right across the street from the side entrance to the Whitehouse Mall/King’s Supermarket.  When turning from Rt. 22, we are the 4^th house on the right hand side. It is a blue house with cranberry shutters.  Our entrance and parking is located in the rear of the building.

If you have any questions about your upcoming visit, please don’t hesitate to call us.   We look forward to meeting you.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jeffrey Oras & Staff