When you go in for a dental consultation, you want to make sure you are happy with your dentist and understand any procedures you might need. You shouldn’t be nervous about asking questions. You have a right to know about your dental health.
It’s important that you feel completely comfortable so that you’ll continue to take good care of your teeth. Toward that end, here are 5 things to ask during a dental consultation.
1. What do you specialize in?
It’s good to know if your dentist specializes in any area, such as cosmetic dentistry, pediatric dentistry, or orthodontics. Understanding your dentist’s speciality helps you manage expectations around your results. It also helps you determine if your dentist might be able to take care of any needs you may have in the future.
2. How much will insurance cover?
Before you commit to any procedure, make sure you fully understand any costs you may have to cover out of pocket. Your dentist should have someone on staff who can talk to you about the costs and explain the procedures for filling out insurance forms.
3. Do you offer any payment plans?
This is particularly important if you don’t have insurance and have to cover much of the cost yourself. Many dental practices offer payment plans to help their patients take good care of their oral health.
4. What are the pros and cons of the procedures you need?
Will there be possible unintended side effects? How long will any devices involved last? How long will it take? The answers to these questions will help you determine if and when you can schedule the procedure.
5. Will it hurt, and if so, how will pain be managed?
You want to make sure you’re prepared for exactly what will happen, including managing any pain you may experience. Your dentist should be able to provide you with pain control measures to ensure you won’t suffer for your oral health.
Final Thoughts
When your dentist recommends a dental procedure, make sure you address any questions you may have. You deserve to know exactly what will be done, how it will feel, how much it will cost, and the pros and cons of having it done.
Even if you’re just in a general dental consultation to help you choose the right dentist for you, it’s a good idea to ask about what specialties they have and why they are a good dentist for you and your family. Your dental health is important for your overall well being, and you have a right to know the answers to these important questions.
Dr. Barry Buchanan is happy to answer any of your questions. Just contact our office today!