4 Questions to Ask Your Dentist at Your Next Visit

Are your dental appointments a time for your dentist in Oshkosh to ask about your medical history? Yes. Should they inquire about your oral hygiene routine? Absolutely! Must they do all the talking and ask all the questions? Definitely not. As a patient, you should feel comfortable enough to inquire about the state of your oral health and if any problems currently exist. Before arriving for your next visit, spend a few moments reading this article that shares 4 questions you should be sure to ask the next time you see your dentist.

Are There Any Treatments I Need to Improve My Smile?

Naturally, your dentist will discuss any potential services or procedures that could benefit your smile. Whether it is restorative, cosmetic, or a specialized service (i.e., periodontal therapy), after completing a full examination of your oral cavity, they should share a personalized treatment plan with you that explains their suggestions and recommendations. If you agree, you can begin to move forward with the next steps.

Should I Make Any Changes to My Diet?

If you are currently eating lots of sugary and starchy foods, you can expect it to show during your next dental appointment. There may be signs of tooth decay developing, especially if you’re not properly cleaning your teeth as you should. By asking your dentist if you should make changes to your diet, they can provide helpful tips and suggestions that will have you swapping out unhealthy snack options with better alternatives like fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products (i.e., cheese, yogurt). The type of food you eat can positively or negatively impact your oral and overall health, so don’t be afraid to inquire during your next visit.

What Type of Technology is Used?

Many dentists these days are turning to modern, advanced dental technologies to keep patients satisfied and comfortable. From intraoral cameras that can show you exactly what the dentist sees to soft tissue laser dentistry that provides greater precision and accuracy when performing surgery on your gums, each piece of equipment and technology allows for an improved patient experience. Asking about the instruments and equipment used to improve the health and aesthetics of your smile can be the difference in seeing someone who prefers to use traditional scalpel and sutures or an individual who believes in the benefits of updated technology that allows for a more positive patient experience.

What Kind of Payment Options Are Available?

If you learn you need a more complex or extensive oral procedure, you’ll need to find out about your dentist’s insurance and financing policy. By speaking to a member of the dental team, you can find out if they accept your particular plan and what they can do to help save you money as well as minimize the potential stress that comes with filing paperwork and claims. Most dental offices will take that burden off your shoulders and work on your behalf if you prefer. Also, you’ll want to find out if they offer flexible financing through an in-house plan or third-party company like CareCredit. This can help you stay within your budget and move forward with necessary treatment.

Don’t be afraid to ask your dentist these four simple questions. You’ll likely come up with more as you begin discussions and that’s okay! As long as you get the information you need, you can feel confident in making the right decision about your dental health.

About the Practice
Dr. Bob Heil has more than 20 years of experience working in the field of dentistry and graduated from the University of Minnesota with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. In addition to completing a General Practice Residency at the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, he has Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS) certification for sedation dentistry. Ensuring his patients are safe and comfortable during their visits, he and his team believe in providing optimal preventive services to help individuals maintain better oral health year-round. If you need a dental checkup or cleaning, contact us at (920) 235-0320.