Don’t Hesitate. Talk to your Dentist. Communicate & Clear all your Doubts BEFORE the Procedure  

It’s said communication is the key. But sadly, we are all hesitant to ask questions to our dentist. We feel, what will my dentist think If I ask such silly questions? But what’s silly in knowing the if’s and but’s from your own dental treatment, right? Are you aware about the procedures to its fullest? Maybe yes, maybe not. So, here are a few questions you need to keep in mind before you opt for your dental treatment.  

Will there be any pain during & post treatment? 

This should be on one’s “must-ask” list whether you have a good pain tolerance or not. It is important to know whether the procedure causes any pain just so you know whether the pain you’re experiencing is normal or not. You need to also ask about any post treatment pain so that you are aware that the pain you might experience later is normal.  

What are the pros and cons of this dental procedure?

Your dentist is the go-to person if you want to know about any procedure. It varies from person to person to see what suits one. Although you might still know the pros of the procedure it is important to ask about the cons too. For example, implants despite being considered as the best tooth-replacement option may not be appropriate for a person who does not have Diabetes under control.  

How are the instruments sterilized?

In the wake of a pandemic such as COVID-19 this becomes more important than ever to ask your dentist about the sterilization processes. Although the dental fraternity has always been known for maintaining high levels of hygiene and sterilizing their instruments, it does no harm to make sure.  

Will I be able to drink and eat normally even after the procedure?

As we know that there are certain procedures that require avoiding consuming certain food products therefore you must make sure that you ask your dentist about things that need to be avoided in order to increase the life span of your procedure. For example, it is recommended to not eat anything sticky or hard post a dental crown/cap.  

Read the consent form thoroughly and question your dentist if you find any difficulty in understanding. 

Patients’ informed consent is a legal regulation and a moral principle. It represents patients’ rights to take part in the clinical decisions concerning their treatment. In order to practice in a professionally responsible manner, dentists must assist patients to make well-informed decisions about treatment procedures. [Source- International Dental Journal of Students] 

Do I need to pay for next seating or for further appointments?  

You might have heard that a visit to a dentist is very expensive. You might have also heard that it’s even more expensive to re-visit a dentist for another appointment. Why to hesitate when asking about the cost? Ask your dentist about the Total amount/ Final amount you need to pay and whether you need to shell out any additional amount for further appointments.  

Final Note 

It is important for each one of us to keep the fact in mind that there is and will always be an advancement in the field of dentistry to help us with something as crucial as our dental health and asking an expert about these topics can no doubt be considered as a smart move.