Wellness Wednesday: Nobody Needs a Root Canal

Wellness Wednesday: The way we use words matters!

One of the foundational pillars on which I have built Blodgett Dental Care is the concept of intentionality. This includes intentional thinking, behavior and language. In today’s “healthcare” there are many inaccuracies in the language used by providers. Today I am highlighting usage of the word “need”.

Has a dentist ever told you, “You need a root canal and a crown.”? Is this statement accurate and truthful? I would argue that the answer is “No!”.

We NEED air. Without it most people would die within 3 minutes. We NEED water. Without it most people would die or become ill within 3 days. But we do not NEED any restorative dental treatment, including root canals. Instead, you could choose to remove the tooth! I’m not saying that I advocate either particular treatment. What I am saying, to be clear, is that you have options! I believe that it is every person’s right to know ALL of their options when it comes to making healthcare decisions. Unfortunately, when a doctor or dentist (or any other person in an authoritative position) tells you that you “need” something, most people simply follow their orders and do what they are told. You cannot give “informed consent” if you are told you “need” something and are given no other options.

For any healthcare providers who read my posts, please take a close look at the words you choose. Does your language show bias? Do you let your personal beliefs blind you from sharing all options to your patients or clients? Are you open to change?

For people seeking healthcare, I encourage you to take what you hear from your providers with a grain of salt. Ask questions! Challenge dogma. Seek clarification. We know that the best providers will welcome your curiosities and questions (like we do)!

If this approach resonates with you, reach out through my website to become a patient! Our Dental Tourism solutions can help almost anyone gain the optimal level of oral health they seek!

Blodgett Dental Care – Human Beings Helping Human Beings

If you desire an approach to your oral health care where all the treatment options are presented and you get to choose based on your values and goals, we would love to help you!  Please email us at info@bdcpdx.com to reserve your New Patient Experience and visit our website to learn about our Dental Tourism solutions. We are here to serve you!

Call Blodgett Dental Care at (503) 713-6980 to schedule your next appointment!

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