You may think "my comfort" has something to do with our soft neck pillows, complimentary beverages, or modern, cushy dental chairs. Well, yes, we have all that. But what we're really talking about is your "comfort level" with dentistry.
Did you know that 50% of Americans don't regularly visit a dentist? Surprised? We were. But, the answer to the question "why?" is quite simple... Each of these people has one or more "discomfort levels".
Others are embarrassed, or afraid to confront the scope of long-time neglect. Some people are worried about the cost. Others worry that their dentist will "over prescribe" treatment they don't really want or need. Occasionally, we'll meet someone that had a bad experience as a child—then resolved as an adult to never see a dentist again. Some people are even worried about the sterility of dental tools. And finally, many people just have anxiety about choosing the "right" dentist!
That's one of the things that makes our practice so different from every prior experience you've had with dentistry. If you're among the 50% that hasn't regularly seen your dentist, please take a moment to find your "discomfort barrier" below and learn why Dr. Leamey is the right dentist for you and your family.
Simply said, it won't. It isn't like the good ol' days. Modern advancements have all but eliminated pain from the dental care equation. From "painless" injection technology to varied levels of sedation techniques, patient comfort has come of age. As one of our patients, you'll quickly see that this fear can become a non issue for you.
Can we be candid? Thanks. Everybody on this planet has their unique set of things that they ignore, postpone, avoid and procrastinate. It's OK. We're not perfect either, and the last thing we would dream of doing is try to make someone feel guilty for not better caring for their teeth. It's just not part of our nature—or our practice culture. So put that fear out of your mind and rest assured that regardless of the scope of neglect, at our practice, you're among non-judgmental friends.
Yes, we hear this one a lot. Two thoughts...
First, have you ever considered the "cost of neglect" compared to the "cost of maintenance"? Every time you have the oil changed in your vehicle you demonstrate prudence, knowing that a few dollars regularly spent maintaining will avoid huge expenses down the road. The same principle applies to dentistry. While a routine exam, cleaning, and tiny white filling may pinch your budget a little bit this month, it will save hundreds or even thousands fixing major problems such as root canals, gum disease or lost teeth. Mom was right... An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure.
Our second thought? We all do it—it's human nature. We find the money to spend when there is perceived value in the purchase. It isn't that dentistry is expensive. It's that some people struggle seeing its value. Sometimes it's easier to spend $1000 on a television than on a rotting tooth—especially if that tooth doesn't hurt too bad yet. You're smarter than that. One of our goals over the lifetime of every patient relationship is to help people see, feel and internalize the value of competent oral health care. It isn't about us trying to "talk you into" something. It's about you coming to your own conclusions about your mouth's health and appearance. We've found that when people reach those conclusions, as nearly all of our patients do, the expression moves from "I can't afford a great dentist" to "I can't afford NOT to have a great dentist."
Will never happen. Period. Not our style.
We were recently surprised when we read the findings of a national survey concluding that many people experience MORE anxiety over "choosing" a dentist than they experience "going" to a dentist. If you're one of those people, that's probably why you're still reading all the fine print on this site. Isn't it nice to know that you've chosen a dentist like Dr. Leamey who actually thinks these concerns through from YOUR perspective? It's unique. It's another reason why you don't need to worry about choosing the wrong dentist. You've just chosen the right one.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, "...let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance."
And while FDR was referring to the depths of the great depression, his words ring true today as applied to your dental health care decision. You can be comfortable with your dentist. You will feel a profound sense of trust and confidence that you’ve made the right choice the first time you visit our practice and meet Dr. Leamey.
We look forward to serving you.