Your teeth are important. You only get two sets and you’ve allocated time to make them better everyday for most of your life. They can be the first thing people notice and your oral health is linked to your overall health.
So if you’re planning to have some form of procedure done on your teeth you shouldn’t be afraid to ask your dentist questions. Anything that costs money and has a large influence in life of your teeth should be questioned.
You can of course ask anything you want, but if you want to know what you should keep an eye out for we’ll give you some topics to bring up and also the reason they are important.
How long have you practised dentistry?
A dentist with a large amount of experience is normally good. But this does not mean you should turn away all dentists as it’s not an indicator of their work, it just serves as a means of seeing that they do have experience and they have been in the business for a long time.
Are you board certified and licensed?
Dentists should be licensed by your province, or city. This proves that they have passed the national exam.
What type of dentistry do you specialize in?
Although not all dentists specialize in something, some do take an additional two years of training to become so. If needs be you can refine your dentist search to those who are specialized in what you are looking for.
Which procedure would be best for me?
There’s never a problem that only has a specific fix, usually there’s multiple-each with different pros and cons. If this is your first time meeting, this question is a great gateway into your preferences and oral health. Including any issues you may have like sensitivity or nervousness. The dentist should also consider your price range and how long the desired effects will last for.
What are the pros and cons to each procedure that can be taken?
It’s important to have as much information on any procedure that can be taken to fix your problem, you should be looking at for the price, risks, how long it takes and how many treatments/visits would be needed.
What are the potential risks or complications?
Any decent medical professional will tell you about any potential problem that could occur. It’s not only a good judge of character but vital information.
How will pain be handled in this procedure if there is any?
Mosts dentists have multiple ways of dealing with pain, so it’s essential that you know ahead of time what you’ll be administered as well as the effects. This question should also be followed with what kind of pain might there be post procedure and how it will be treated.
What will happen in the case of an emergency?
Although it’s highly unlikely that an emergency will occur, it’s a good question to see how well the dentist is trained in that type of situation, as well as his staff.
How is the payment handled?
Depending on the treatment as well as your insurance, the procedure could cost a fair bit. You are entitled to know all of your options when it comes to paying for it. You should ask about any incentives they might have for paying up front, or how to keep costs on the minimal.
We always recommend having a chat with your dentist before proceeding with anything. It helps you stay in the know, be confident about what’s being done and helps you make the right choice about your dentist.
Call Kerrisdale General and Cosmetic Dentistry to book your appointment.
