People always get that wrong.  

It involves a sense of touch, ALWAYS using the appropriate tools, making sure the cavity is ready to be filled by drilling carefully and completely and never putting in the filling until everything is "just so".  X-Rays won't work in many cases: a close physical examination is often necessary where one must use many senses -- touch and taste -- to understand the current condition and facilitate drilling and cleaning.  Often the patient is wary.  You have to spend time allowing her to examine your tool to insure she understands how it works so she will be comfortable with the procedure.  

The smart dentist makes the patient a participant -- let the patient clean and lubricate the tool.  Often, she knows where the problem is herself and can guide the initial drilling efforts.

Even though it's  considered unethical by some, kisses along the way if she feels a bobo will make the procedure that much better.

I hope this helps :--)) Harry


-- Modified on 5/6/2004 10:23:35 PM

-- Modified on 5/6/2004 10:31:58 PM