40 something and afraid ......

Research suggests that women in their late forties are the most afraid of the dentist .....


Possibly because this age group are more likely to have experienced trauma, abuse or oro-facial trauma and are also more likely to be depressed anxious or stressed (Research at University of Sydney)


Dental anxiety is very real and complex and should never be downplayed. According to Dr Avanti, people who fear the dentist wait 17 days before they make an appointment even when they are in severe pain; compared to the rest of the population who wait for 3 days.


Ironically ,women in their late 40's ought to pay particular attention to their health in general. Hormonal changes at menopause can have a significant impact on periodontal condition and additional care from your dentist and hygienist can really benefit. Changes in dietary habits and increased sugar intake will increase the chance of developing dental decay.This is a good time to review diet and nutrition for optimum health - and this is a regular part of your Dental Health Assessment here at Absolute Dental.

Depression anxiety and stress lead to smoking more heavily as a quick fix.....While giving up has untold health benefits.


An understanding approach by the dental team will help all frightened patients. It seems that women in their late 40's might be particularly deserving of this gentle care.

Happy Patients with wonderful New Smiles at Absolute Dental

This week saw the completion of a short course of treatment for one of Rhods' lovely patients, that completely restored a smile worn by grinding and discoloured over time.

When a patient comes to us asking for straighter, whiter & brighter teeth, we do our best to fulfil their wishes knowing that simple changes we can make can make a huge difference to them and often restore confidence meaning patients that came to us embarrassed by their smile, leave with a the broadest of smiles.

Patients often think that to solve broken, worn or chipped teeth the solution is wall to wall veneers. Not only is this not always the most cost effective treatment option, but it is also not the most conservative treatment option either and can mean the removal of healthy tooth tissue. There are several great alternatives that we will always discuss with out patients.

With this case, we offered the patient a course of tooth whitening initially to improve the shade of her teeth, sometimes this is enough for a patient to feel happier about the appearance of their teeth, and then to restore the teeth with a composite (tooth coloured) restorative material to close the gaps and repair the chips.

You will see from the models that the patient presented with quite worn front teeth with noticeable gaps between them. The picture taken following the treatment shows how these gaps have been reduced and the chips repaired - with a very natural appearance that the patient was thrilled with. Simple, yet very eeffective treatment that changes a patients smile - please call in or see our website for some of our other very happy patients. We have a wide range of payment options too which we are also happy to discuss with you to help turn your dream into a reality.

Results of our Patient Feedback Survey

We carry out patient questionnaires quite frequently here at Absolute as we are always looking to provide the very best care we can and really value our patients feedback.
I thought I would share with everyone the results and should anyone be reading this who was not invited to participate please do feel you can pass on your comments to any of the team at any stage either in person, by telephone on 01548854894, email info@absolute-dental.co.uk, or even by adding a comment to our facebook page www.facebook.com/absolutedentalcentre1

We try and choose random dates in the diary to carry out this type of survey so that we are very unspecific in the type of feedback we can expect. We always review the results and look for ways to improve what we believe to be the best levels of care and service, both clinical and non clinical.

All patients were asked to score each of the following between 1 and 5 (1 being poor and 5 being exceptional) and we also split the results between our two dentists, Rhodri and Ruth

Rhodri John RESULTS JUNE 2012

 

What is your overall opinion of the clinical treatment you received at Absolute? 100% of patients scored 5


How satisfied were you with the overall experience at Absolute Dental? 100% of patients scored 5


Do you feel you receive value for money at Absolute? 66% of patients scored 5 22% scored 4 & 11% scored 3


What is your opinion of customer service at Absolute? 100% of patients scored 5


I really understand the condition of my teeth and gums 100% scored 5


I really feel that my dentist/hygienist listened to me 100% scored 5


I really feel that my dentist understands the concerns I have about my teeth and gums 100% scored 5


Do you feel you are seen on time for your appointments 100% said always. No one said Sometimes or Rarely


Do you feel confident about the cleanliness of the practice? 100% said YES


Do you feel we treat you with dignity and respect and high levels of confidentiality? 100% said YES


How easy is it to make an appointment at Absolute? 44% said VERY EASY 55% said EASY. No one said Difficult or Very Difficult

 Ruth Page RESULTS JUNE 2012


What is your overall opinion of the clinical treatment you received at Absolute? 91% of patients scored 5 9% scored 4


How satisfied were you with the overall experience at Absolute Dental? 81% of patients scored 5 19% scored 4


Do you feel you receive value for money at Absolute? 64% scored 5 36% scored 4


What is your opinion of customer service at Absolute? 91% of patients scored 5 9% scored 4


I really understand the condition of my teeth and gums 81% of patients scored 5 19% scored 4


I really feel that my dentist/hygienist listened to me 91% scored 5 9% scored 4


I really feel that my dentist understands the concerns I have about my teeth and gums 91% scored 5 9% scored 4


Do you feel you are seen on time for your appointments 100% said ALWAYS


Do you feel confident about the cleanliness of the practice? 100% said YES 100% said YES


Do you feel we treat you with dignity and respect and high levels of confidentiality? 100% said YES


How easy is it to make an appointment at Absolute? 45% said VERY EASY 54% said EASY