Phoenix Dentistry - Questions to Ask

Once you've found a few potential dentists, contact their dental offices to get more information about them and their dental office. Here you can find a few helpful and intelligent questions you might want to ask:

First, you should probably make the dentist aware about any specific needs you have, and the dental services you need.
What are the dentists' hours? …and how does the dentist respond to dental emergencies outside of those hours?
How does the dentist handle canceled or missed appointments?
Will the dentist recommed or offer various treatment options for your dental care and explain their costs, benefits and drawbacks so that you are in a position to make intelligent decisions?
What does the dentist charge for routine services such as dental x-rays, fillings, teeth cleaning, sealants or fluoride (for children), root canals, bridges, caps and crowns?
When are payments due? Some dentists may offer payment terms when the total bill is higher than a certain amount, allowing you to spread your dental payments over a period of time instead of having to pay all at once. While it may be tempting to use a credit card to charge your dental bills, the interest costs can become an even greater financial burden down the road… particularly if you already have cashflow concerns.
If you have a dental insurance plan, does the dentist participate in your dental plan? Or will you have to submit the claim forms yourself to the insurance company, before you'll get your money back?
Ask the dentist to explain the overall goals of treatment. Ideally, he or she should be committed to not merely your appearance, but also your overall health. If one or the other doesn’t appear to matter, you should probably think about looking for a different dentist.

In the US and Canada, dentists place strong emphasis on dental practices and services which prevent dental problems or which permit their early detection. For example, dentists typically recommend your teeth be cleaned by a dental hygienist on a regular basis (usually twice a year); and x-rays be made of teeth for early detection of caries (cavities), infections, or gum disease (the frequency depends on your individual health needs). If signs of dental decay are discovered during an exam, most dentists will recommend that any problems be fixed without delay rather than holding off with treatment. Again, dentists stress treating the problems early to prevent further oral decay.

As a dental patient, you have the right to attentive and cordial care; to be informed about the dental treatments to be used, the expected pros and cons of all treatment options; and to be given an estimate of costs of each option.

Feel free to ask your dentist questions if you need more information and to ask a second time if you do not understand the explanation you were offered. The same as with medical care, you and your dentist share the responsibility in making decisions about your dental treatment options and your oral health.

If you are not satisfied with the dental care you receive or have a complaint about your dental care, you can certainly express your concerns to the dentist; call your state or local dental association; or contact your insurance office to discuss the matter. Remember, you also could always look for a different dentist to ensure your teeth remain healthy.

As the acclaimed Mayo Clinic states: “Taking care of your mouth, teeth and gums isn’t just a matter of good grooming. It can prevent infections, and maybe even diseases, throughout your body.”

Smart Questions To Ask A Dentist