Finding a dentist in one of the many priorities when moving to a new town. Here are a few tips to help you find the right dentist for you and your family.
What questions should you ask your new dentist?
Once you have found a dentist you can trust, you need to make sure you get the most from their care. If you're thinking of becoming a new patient, there are a few things you need to know.
”How healthy is my mouth?”
If you don’t know your current dental health status, how can you be expected to improve it? Beyond the health of your teeth, you need to ask your dentist about the condition of your gums, tongue, and the underlying facial or jaw structures that support your mouth. Keeping the entire mouth healthy will do more than ensure the health of your teeth; it will ensure the health of your entire body. For example, bacterial infections which have been linked to heart disease frequently feed on plaque, so keeping your mouth healthy through routine dental checkups will keep your heart at its strongest.
”Could you provide me with a prioritized list of needed treatments and procedures?”
If it’s been a while since you’ve visited a dentist, your dentist may recommend several different dental procedures and treatments to restore radiant health to your mouth. Even if it you have always regularly visited the dentist, the bewildering array of options available to improve dental health can quickly become confusing. This is one time when you want to take advantage of your dentist’s professional expertise. Ask her or him for a prioritized list of every recommended procedure or treatment. Then, you will know what appointments you need to make. This is also a good time to find out approximately how much each treatment will cost. Your dentist may not know what the exact cost of your procedure will be, but he or she can give you a good estimate. If you have dental insurance, taking a few minutes to find out how much your policy will cover can save you quite a bit of aggravation and worry later.
”What are the top three moves I can make to improve my dental health?”
Since more than 90% of your time is spent outside of your dentist’s office, you need to know how to keep your teeth healthy at home beyond routine brushing, flossing, and other dental health measures such as eating less sugar or avoiding tobacco products. Make it your mission to ask your dentist the top three things you can do to keep your mouth in top condition. Such recommendations will be specifically tailored to your current dental health needs. Therefore, they often focus on reducing the severity of your recurrent problems or reducing your risk for other dental health issues.
"What type of technology and amenities does your practice offer?"
From digital photography for more efficient treatment planning, to comfy blankets and nitrous oxide, each practice is unique in the experience they provide. Be sure to ask your dentist to explain what makes their practice different.
While no one likes spending time in the dentist’s chair, taking a few extra minutes to ask your dentist these important questions will inform you of your current dental health status as well as give you a plan for professional office and personal home care to help you achieve your brightest, healthiest smile ever.