Making sure you have good oral health is just as critical to your quality of life as working out or eating healthy. For this reason, it is important to think of your Dallas dentist as a major contributor to your overall health. At Dallas Dental Wellness, we have carefully created an atmosphere to make you feel safe, comfortable and at ease.
Dentists and their staff members are caring people; concerned about you as a person and your comfort level during your visit. If you have questions about your dental care, the practice, or the procedures recommended to you, it is important to ask and receive clear, positive answers. We recommend that you bring up the following points during your initial consultation or next visit.
Visit after-care and prevention
Your dentist will give you tips on how to perform good oral hygiene at home and will provide dietary recommendations and guidelines. If you have questions about preventing certain conditions like tooth decay, gingivitis, bad breath, or other conditions, your dentist is the best person to answer these questions for you.
Professional background and affiliations
It’s also important for you to research on the background of your dentist, including their educational accreditations, professional awards, and industry affiliations. Most dentists will have these credentials listed on their web site or displayed in their office. When choosing a dentist, remember that an experienced practitioner would have treated more cases and is most likely well-placed to deal with your dental needs.
Price and payment options
Make sure price increases are communicated to you in advance. If you have any questions about pricing, don’t be afraid to ask, especially if a special procedure or treatment is recommended to you. Communication is the key to finding the best treatment and payment options that suit your budget. Some practices offer dental payment plans to help patients spread the cost.
Anesthesia and procedure details
Your dentist should explain things to you in a way that you can easily understand. Why do you need the procedure? What is involved? Anesthesia and sedation options, which can widely vary from one procedure to the other, should always be discussed. The ADA has an excellent article on their web site about anesthesia and sedation.
Medical conditions and your dental health
The dentist or hygienist is sure to ask, but you will want to keep your dentist informed of any medical conditions that could affect your oral health care. A list of conditions that could affect your oral health can be found here.
Other things to consider
Knowing your dentist’s office hours, what their policy is on missed appointments, and how they handle non-office hour emergencies will also enhance your experience with your dental health care provider. Today, dental offices are no longer restricted to working at 9AM to 5PM. Many are now able to offer weekend and evening dental appointments to best fit in with today’s modern lifestyles.
