QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DENTIST
When it comes to going to the dentist it can be extremely important to be prepared and have as much information as you can. It is equally important to communicate with your dentist and ask him or her questions that will help you understand what is going on with your oral health and what you can do to improve it. You also want to make sure that your dentist (especially if they are new to you) can perform the procedures that you may need and has had successful experience in doing so.
Keep these questions in mind the next time you go and see your dentist.
Am I using the right toothbrush and toothpaste and does my toothpaste have enough fluoride in it?
What kinds of mouth wash will help keep my gums healthy and prevent periodontitis and gingivitis?
How long with this specific treatment last and how long will this dental procedure be good for?
How often should I come in for regular exams and cleanings?
How long have you worked with your staff and do you have a full time dental hygienist?
Are your patients happy with your work and how many patients that you see on first visits return for regular visits?
What are the odds that the procedure that you are performing will be done correctly the first time and what complications should I expect from this procedure?
How many of these procedures have you performed in the past?
What forms of payments do you accept and do you offer financing for the more expensive treatment options?
What types of crowns and bridgework are you most familiar with and do you offer dental implants?
When it comes to cavities, do you use traditional drilling equipment, air abrasion or laser removal procedures?
Do you charge patients differently whether they pay in cash or pay with insurance?
Which forms of insurance do you accept and do you give discounts to any specific insurance policies?
If I should need treatments that you are unfamiliar with, can you refer me to a local orthodontist,periodontist, oral or maxillofacial surgeon?
Can you show me pictures of procedures that you have performed on other patients in the past?
How long have you been practicing dentistry and for how long have you been in the area?
How long have you been in the area and how long have you been practicing dentistry?
Are you a D.D.S (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or a D.M.D (Doctor of Dental Medicine)?
Do you have a friendly and cooperative staff?
Do you specialize in any dental practices in particular such as restorations (crowns, bridges, implants, etc)?
Would the majority of your patients say that receiving treatments from you is a positive experience?
What forms of payment do you accept and do you give discounts for patients that pay in full up front?
What forms of insurance do you accept and do you give discounts for any plan in particular?
Do you stay current with the most up to date dental techniques and do you attend continuing education seminars and certifications?
What types of dental fillings do you usually recommend a patient receives?
Do you have pictures of work that you have performed on other patients?
Are you well liked by your patients?
Do you prefer to see adult patients, families or child patients?
More specific questions to ask your dentist are:
Do you change your gloves every time you work on a different patient?
Do you use equipment such as the autoclave to sterilize your equipment, ensuring each patient is safe from the further spread of disease?
Do you maintain a clean office and take measures to ensure each patient is safe and protected from illnesses?
When removing cavities, do you prefer to use traditional drilling equipment, lasers, or pressurized air drilling?
The more questions you ask your dentist, the better you will feel about getting work done. Asking your dentist these and other question can help alleviate any second guessing you may have as to whether or not your dentist is best for you. Preparing questions for your dentist will help you become a better informed patient and give you peace of mind.
