7 Questions to Ask Your Dentist to Make the Most of Your Dental Visit

One of the most important health care services for both the elderly and the young is dental care services. However, with advancing age, the requirement for quality dental health (and general health care) typically rises.

But whether you are young or a bit advanced in years, your visit to the dentist should be a pleasant and helpful experience. Your dentist should provide quality dental care and services, and you can ensure it by asking the right questions.

Indeed, you can take full advantage of your session by asking your dentist the right questions to address all of your dental issues and ease any concerns that you might have. Having premeditated questions and getting them answered adequately is a significant part of making your visit to a dentist's clinic truly worthwhile and helpful.

For example, let’s say you live or are visiting in Langley, BC and you are looking to go to one of the local dentists in Langley for a dental checkup. It is normal (and even encouraged) to have certain expectations of the local dental clinic you’ll be visiting before you go and anticipate the quality of dental care or services you can expect there.

That way you can prepare adequately (mentally and physically) for your dental visit and even determine the right question to ask your dentist based on prevailing circumstances of the clinic in question and the specific needs and concerns you may have.

Key Dental Health Questions You Should Know and Ask Your Dentist

Generally, there are at least seven key dental health questions you should know about and clarify with your dentist on your next dental visit to make the most of your sessions:

1. How do I improve/maintain my dental health?

Once you visit your dental clinic, your doctor will give you a synopsis of any current issues with your teeth, followed by any future concerns.

However, it is wise not to stop there. Ask your dental practitioner more questions!

Ask the doctor about your overall dental health and what changes you can make in your daily dental routine to improve and maintain good dental health.

You will get very handy answers from a qualified dental health practitioner that will save you a lot of pain and costly trips to the dentist.

2. What red flags of gum disease should I look out for?

Nearly half (46%) of all adults aged 30 years or older show signs of gum (periodontal) disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Gum disease increases with age, with a whopping 70.1% of adults 65 years and older experiencing periodontal disease (characterized by infections and inflammation of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth).

Periodontal disease is pretty common in most countries around the world. In Canada, for example, seven out of 10 people develop gum disease at some point. Gum disease is a serious oral health concern that should not be ignored or taken lightly.

Ask your dentist about warning signs, red flags, risk factors, and preventive measures of gum disease you should be aware of on your regular dental visits. It can be a life saver for you.

3. Do you accept dental insurance, and what are the costs?

It is crucial to ask about the dental clinic’s charges before you choose to see the dentist. The average fee for seeing a dentist may vary from place to place. For example, dentists’ charges in Langley, BC is around $45 - $55 an hour. Check the fees in your local area.

Moreover, dental services like root canal therapy, fillings, and extraction, may cost a significant amount that can inflict a substantial dent on your finances. Hence, it is important to check if your orthodontist accepts any dental insurance plan beforehand.

Ask the dental clinic/dentist about insurance plans they accept and what benefits you can get from the plans or other financial programs they offer for dental health services. Those plans can be very helpful when seeking quality dental services from professionals.

4. Is teeth whitening a good option for me?

Having whiter teeth is what everyone seems to want these days. But teeth whitening, though not new to dentistry, has lately been raising some eyebrows. Not everything touted on digital and mainstream media is true and will work for you.

If you are not sure whether teeth whitening is good option for you, ask your dentist about it on your next dental visit to be clear about it. The dentist will assess your condition and advice accordingly on the safety and effectiveness of this procedure.

They can provide proper details and results you can expect from a teeth whitening procedure.

5. What solutions do you offer if there is a dental emergency for my child?

If you have kids at home, it’s common for kids to loose a tooth. Other dental mishaps that need immediate attention can also happen. Enquire with the dentist if you can call their dental emergency room and seek help if such a situation occurs.

Act promptly during kids’ dental mishaps and issues. If your child has lost a tooth, you should be able to call the dental clinic and immediately rush them to the clinic for treatment.

6. Are dental x-rays safe for me, and also for my children?

It is normal to have concerns over dental x-rays, especially for kids. While radiograph x-rays are pretty effective in letting your dentist understand the gravity of your situation, ask about them anyway to get professional assurances and alleviate any concerns you may have.

Ask about it and the duration of the x-ray with your orthodontist to understand the procedure and ensure you are only exposed to a low, safe dose of radiation during a dental examination.

7. What changes should I make in my diet for good oral health?

To avoid oral cavities and maintain good oral health, ask your dentist if there is a need for any dietary changes and what those change may be if any.

The type of food you consume has a significant impact on your teeth and dental health. So, do not hesitate to ask this question to get better clarity from your dentist appointment.

Conclusion

To get top-notch dental care, you must actively communicate with your orthodontist. Most dental clinics are a team of committed professionals who offer both personalized dental care and advice.

However, you must always do your part and ask questions to get your concerns cleared.