As an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, I often meet patients who arrive at my clinic with conditions that have been developing silently for years. Many of them are surprised to learn that their complex jaw or dental problems could have been prevented—or at least minimized—through earlier intervention. One example is impacted wisdom teeth. In Japan, it’s not unusual for people to delay extraction until they feel severe pain. By that time, the teeth may have already caused infections, damaged neighboring teeth, or even affected jawbone health. These situations often require surgical procedures that are more invasive and demand longer recovery periods. I believe one of our biggest public health challenges is the cultural tendency to “wait until it hurts” before seeking dental care. Regular check-ups and early imaging can identify problems long before they cause discomfort. My message to patients is simple: preventive care is not just about cleanings and fillings—it’s about avoiding complex surgeries in the future. When we take oral health seriously early on, we save ourselves from unnecessary pain, higher costs, and extended recovery times. As surgeons, we have a responsibility to educate the public and shift the mindset from reactive treatment to proactive care.
