How do we begin?

Each and every person deserves to be heard.  Every person has experience in dentistry, good and bad.  Everyone has a story.  Every person has needs and wants.

In caring for patients over the past 10 years in Chattanooga, we have found that most mistakes and problems begin when either the dentist of the patient is in too much of a hurry to begin treatment before adequate evaluation and planning is completed. 

Far better to know where we are going before we start the journey.

Discussion

            We begin by taking the time to get to know you and what you want and expect from dentistry and us.  We have found that working together in your best interest is more predictable, more fun, and produce lasting results.  It feels right to us to make a difference in the lives of the people we are priviliedged  to care for.

            So, we always Begin with the End in mind.  Many problems, disappointments, headaches, and conflicts can be avoided if we plan together.  Plans and Goals begin with knowing what you want and expect from dentisty.

            I have noted that fewer than 1% of new patients coming into my practice have a set goals and made plans with former dentists.  Most don’t even know much about the causes of dental disease let along much about their existing dental condition.  For us, we begin here.

A Guided Tour

            Together we will do an examination of your oral structures, your face and teeth.  I emphasize “we” in this, as I will guide you on an examination tour.  There will be no secrets.  No taking x-rays and not sharing with you what we see.

            I believe the more you know about where you are and what you want, the better choices you can make.

            We will need to get the necessary records to complete a sound evaluation of what is going on before we plan for proper prevention or corrective care.

Review of Findings

            The Art and Science of dentistry has advanced tremendously just in the past five years.  Together we will explore options and consequences of treatment and non treatment that are open to you.  I believe this is one of the areas I help my patients the most.  This is where knowledge (through study) and experience combines to form “treatment wisdom”.

            Some treatment options are better than others.  You deserve to know the options and consequences of treatment and non-treatment so you can make good choices for you and your loved ones.

Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

            We may need to seek advice and counsel with my specialty team.  We need to create the time to adequately ‘plan before we begin.’  We will organize our time and prioritize our efforts so we don’t waste your time or money.

            With good planning and sound treatment, there is no waiting and out entire team together is more predictable and fun.

            Diagnosis is the most important key to successful results in Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry.

            Diagnosis asks the questions: What is going on and why?  What are the causes of any problems that might be present?

            Treatment Planning is what is the best plan to solve or correct or prevent the problem or problems?  No two patients are exactly alike, and no two treatment plans are exactly alike.

            In every aspect of life, things go better with a Plan.  No one would build a house or a business without a Plan.  No one should begin any important dentistry without a plan.

What We Do

            “Preventive Dentistry can add 10 years to human life.” – Dr. Charles Mayo

            Dr. Lunn combines Restorative Dentistry for comfort, form and function and esthetic dentistry for not only attractive smiles, but also to preserve facial youth, form and beauty.  We call this Bio-Esthetic Dentistry.

            Bio- Esthetics combines FORM – FUNCTION – ESTHETICS to enhance function and preserve facial form and beauty.

            The Cosmetic dentist primarily works on teeth to improve smiles.

            The Bio-Esthetic dentist is concerned about how teeth look but is equally concerned about preserving function and facial youth and beauty.

            If all you are concerned about is ‘smiling’ then a cosmetic dentist will serve you adequately, but if you are also concerned about ...

            Chewing, eating, speaking and preserving ‘ youthful appearance and facial beauty’, then Bio-Esthetic Dentistry will serve you better.

            You’ve probably heard the term ‘measure twice-cut once’.  In our practice we measure three times before we treat.  Together, we are absolutely sure we have properly planned and thoroughly sequenced your dentistry before we begin.

            I have found that ‘most mistakes’ in dentistry are caused by someone begin in too much of a hurry to treat before adequate planning is completed.

            We take time in the beginning to save time, pain and expense later.

            It works better this way.