Whether coming in for a cleaning or surgery, it is important to come to the dentist office prepared in order to make the most of each dental visit. Here is a checklist and some tips to make sure each of your dental visits is worthwhile.
Make A List of Oral Health Questions
It is important to make a careful list of any questions you have for the dentist. What is the downtime on a procedure? How much do dental implants cost? What kind of sedation do you use? Dr. Raffoul and his team will be there to answer any questions about teeth, gums, dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry, and any other dental related questions.
Here are some general questions you may have:
- Brushing/Flossing techniques
- New dental products or tools
- Pricing
- Cosmetic procedures like whitening/straightening
Make A List Of Dental Issues And Concerns
We’ve all been asked if we have any ongoing issues by our doctor, but remembering those issues can sometimes be tough. Do you sometimes have cold sensitivity? Does your jaw lock up? Do you need your wisdom teeth removed? Are you experiencing pain in a single tooth? We may not be able to fix every problem on the spot but Dr. Raffoul and his team will set up a plan of treatment to address your concerns immediately.
Please inform the dentist if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Problems with brushing or flossing
- Bleeding gums
- Sensitivity or pain
- TMJ
- Teeth Grinding
Tell Your Dentist About Health Changes
When thinking about your next dental visit, it is important to think about any recent health changes. Oral health and your overall health go hand in hand. If you have been diagnosed with any illness or condition since your last visit, let your dentist know. It is also important to inform your dentist if you are taking any new medications. There are some medications that have adverse side-effects to your oral health, like dry mouth. While easily treated by your dentist, if left untreated, dry mouth can cause problems like bad breath and gum disease. When meeting with your dentist, you should also provide a list of all medications (prescription and over the counter) and any supplements that you take.
Summary Checklist
- List of all of your medications (prescription, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and herbal supplements.)
- List of all your allergies and medical conditions.
- Phone numbers and contact information for all your other doctors, health care providers and any previous dentists you have seen.
- Bring a list of emergency medical contacts, who may be required to make medical decisions on your behalf if there is an emergency.
- Bring your Medicaid and/or dental insurance cards.
- Bring your dentures or partials to the visit, even if you're not currently wearing them.
If you have any of these problems make sure to mention it to your dentist, or contact our team at Family Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry and we’ll be happy to assist you. When you go to the dentist prepared, not only are you spending your time efficiently but also boosting your oral health. Let our Brandon dental office keep your smile bright and your mouth healthy.