Question

Pt. who has recently moved to your city has an appointment with you regarding self- care instructions. The periodontal diagnosis is severe chronic periodontitis. In your discussion with the patient you learn that the patient is upset because she has been treated for periodontitis twice during the past decade in other dental office. She is upset because apparently now she needs periodontal treatment again, and she states she is confused about how this might be possible. How could you respond to this patients concerns?

Answer 1

Human strive hard through out life to earn money to meet their basic need for food. Teeth play a very important role in the process of eating and chewing and digestion. Infection of teeth results not only the local infection but also can result in systemic infection further leading to life threathening conditions. Undergoing repeated diagnostic procedures for a same ailment results in a undue stress on the patient mentally and physically. As a nurse, it is the important that we handle the patient's concerns carefully and sympathetically. Our kind and empathetic attitude will help to alleviate the patient's stress and concerns.

Allow the patient to express all her concerns regarding her problem. Be a patient listener and do not be judgemental. With the help of open ended questions, try to evaluate her practices of dental hygiene and care. Assess her knowledge regarding peridontal care and explain her the importance of good oral hygiene. The cause behind her repeated tooth infection may be poor hygiene, non compliance with the doctors instructions or poor followup visit. All the instructions should be stated in a clear language and she should be encouraged to maintain adequate dental hygiene and frequent oral care.