Robert G . McNeill , DDS , MD
LOCATIONS IN GARLAND & PRESTON CENTER dfwdentalimplants . com ( 972 ) 272-8571
P R O F I L E
What do you think is the most surprising development on the horizon in the dental field ?
I think Integrative Medicine will have an impact on dentistry in ways that might surprise people . Most people are not familiar with the term . It is a combination of conventional treatments with complementary and alternative therapies for a better health outcome . I feel strongly that patients are looking for better options in both medicine and dentistry .
How did you become interested in Integrative Medicine ?
I saw Dr . Tieraona Low Dog speak at the Southwest Dental Conference and I knew right away that I needed to know
more ! I wanted to have more options at my disposal to optimize my patients ’ experience . As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon , I see people at a challenging time in their lives . There is usually a moderate level of anxiety surrounding having a procedure done . After my fellowship in Integrative Medicine , I now have a variety of effective modalities to improve the experience both from a comfort and a safety perspective .
Can you provide some examples for how Integrative Medicine has helped you ?
Overall , it has helped me become a better doctor . I am now able to better participate in their health on a different level . It also helps me to customize their experience . Some of the changes to my practice involve very simple yet incredibly effective therapies such as breathing techniques . Having the patient control their breathing in a very specific way has a profound impact on their sympathetic discharge and comfort . Using techniques such as guided imagery or hypnosis can also be very effective . Having different options is great when IV sedation is not possible or to lower total dosages of IV sedation medications when used . Patients are very cognizant of risks associated with deeper levels of sedation after the Dallas Morning News article . Having a variety of options that work synergistically just makes sense .
Can you talk about stress ?
Until my fellowship , I was not really aware of the impact that stress has on all of us . We are all aware of the stress the patient feels , but I was also able to appreciate how that stress was impacting myself and my team . By having more “ tools in my toolbox ” I am able to decrease stress for the patient , myself and my staff . Stress has a significant impact on the immune system in a negative way and reducing it can optimize outcomes in a positive way . I think all of us can appreciate that in our patients as well as our own lives .
How does this affect pain management for your patients ?
I try to never use the word pain . I talk about discomfort . Word selection makes a difference and patients can tolerate the concept of discomfort . Traditionally we have done a poor job with pain management , especially as surgeons . I used to prescribe hydrocodone all the time . Now I probably prescribe it once a month . Using combinations of ibuprofen and Tylenol work . Turmeric is a good herbal option when NSAIDs are contraindicated . Post-hypnotic suggestion or word selection also works wonders to help the patient understand that there will be some discomfort but that it will not bother them . We have a narcotic abuse epidemic and as a profession we need to find better solutions .
Dr . McNeill is a Diplomate , American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Associate Fellow in Integrative Medicine , University of Arizona School of Medicine .
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