Richard Dawson had the famous line on his game show “Survey Says…” When dentists complete surveys, the results can run the gamut from hilarious to horrifying. Here’s a few results from the Chicago Dental Society: 

–          Patients self-treat before they visit the dentist – Nearly 70% of patients attempt to treat their own dental problem before getting in the chair. A couple of dentists even reported treating patients who had attempted to give themselves root canals using power tools.

–          Dentists are interacting online – Your dentist may possibly be on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or other forms of social media. Plus, they probably have a blog (like we do) on their office website.

–          Women have brighter smiles – More than 60% of women have their teeth professionally whitened.

–          More dental injuries occur from basketball than any other sport – More than 30% of dentists reported that basketball was the sport that brought in their patient with an oral injury. Hockey came in second, baseball and softball came in at third place.

–          Economic impact on dentistry remains steady – Nearly 70% of dentists claim that their patients are putting off necessary dental treatment even though delaying treatment usually results in a more expensive treatment being needed in the future!

–          Dentists want you to relax – More than 25% of those surveyed claimed that they offer iPods, TVs, or massage chairs for their patients.

Please don’t attempt your own root canal – it is sort of like performing your own appendectomy! Putting off needed dental care due to costs is also not a good idea because dental problems simply cannot heal on their own and will only get worse. What started as a filling can turn into a root canal and crown before you know it. We prefer preventing these big problems rather than treating them after they occur.

Please contact Dr. Mark Levy at StoneRidge Dental Care in Columbus, OH at 614-476-6696 to schedule your next visit.