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DENTIST'S DENTAL EXAM
When it comes to your teeth, there are no second chances. The investment you make in caring for
your teeth is forever. The partnership you develop with your dentist and his staff in preventive
care and treatment is one of the most important relationships in your health care. The only thing
worse than seeing no dentist, is seeing a bad one.
But how can you evaluate the kind of care you are getting? The following probing
questions need to be asked. See if your dentist passes this "dental exam." At The
Dentists' Office, these and other high standards of professional performance are continuously
examined and re-examined in an effort to give our patients the best dental care possible!
1. Is your dentist a talented technician?
It may be difficult for you as a patient to precisely judge your dentist's technical ability,
but even a layperson can usually distinguish good from bad.
During prolonged probing or drilling, your dentist should stop periodically
so you can relax your jaw. When the dentist is done, your bite should
feel natural and you should not experience excessive bleeding. Fillings
should not catch your tongue, interfere with flossing or allow food
particles to catch in your teeth.
The professional background of your dentist and staff should be available
for you to look at. The practitioners and the staff at The Dentists' Office have their "dental
histories" outlined on this web site under
Our Practitioners and Our Ancillary Staff.
We are proud to show them off!
2. Does your dentist avoid temporary measures?
If your dentist is not willing to take the time to put in a permanent filling and instead "stalls" with
one temporary after another, consider that this may be a sign of bad scheduling or, even worse, a
way to translate more visits into more money.
At the Dentists' Office, your treatment plan will be carefully mapped
out for you and visits scheduled to fully allow for the time necessary
for procedures and for discussion time after.
3. Does your dentist discuss options and choices for your treatment?
A good dentist will discuss the various options and treatment plans
which are available to you. The pro's and con's of various treatments
should be outlined to you so that you clearly understand them. The
choices will be evaluated based on your particular dental parameters,
as well as other factors such as time and finances. If you wish, the
cost of your treatment should be estimated, outlined and itemized,
in writing, if you prefer it. No professional is ever afraid of laying
out a treatment plan. Together, you and your dentist can make the
best decision for your particular circumstances. Our practitioners are available to review the
treatment plan and its various components, with you.
4. Does your dentist understand and appreciate your tolerance for discomfort?
The tolerance level people have for pain varies greatly. Your dentist should be sensitive to your
limits and personal preferences. A discussion of options and choices for anesthetics and analgesics
should be a part of your treatment program. Check on this web site under
Your Visit for hints on how to prepare for your dental visit, self-help, stress-busting and
pain-management techniques.
5. Is your dentist prevention oriented?
The best approach to dentistry is a preventive one. Your first visit to the dentist's office should
include taking a medical and dental history. Your dentist should also perform a complete oral
examination at your initial visit and every year thereafter. In the event that you have special
medical problems, your dentist should be in contact with your family physician or specialist.
6. Does your dentist make you an active participant in prevention?
The dentist-hygienist team is a joint effort not only to care for your teeth, but to educate you in a
dental maintenance and prevention program. Oral and written patient instructions, (with
demonstrations like brushing and flossing), should be made available along with suggestions for
improvements based on your individual needs.
Our hygienists will keep you up-to-date on techniques and products which will help with your
prevention program (e.g. fluoride, antibacterial rinses, anti-plaque devices).
Click Here for information about about dental preventative and continuing care.
7. Does your dentist keep track of you and your dental needs?
A well organized dental practice must have a good recall system. Sending
you regular reminders guarantees that no problem will go unnoticed
for too long. Recalls will ensure that you remember to schedule routine
checkups and cleanings.
8. Does your dentist order and take X-rays responsibly?
With most patients there is no need for full mouth x-rays to be performed more
than every three to five years. An examination and two x-rays (called
bitewings) are usually sufficient for dental care. Additional x-rays,
of course, may be ordered, if special circumstances arise. A dentist
who never takes x-rays of your teeth is just as bad as one who orders
them too often.
9. Does your dentist guard against infection?
Infection control is one of the most pressing issues in dental care today. Patients have
a right to expect their dentist to make every conceivable effort to
guard against infection. Masks, gloves and compliance to OSHA (federal
agency) regulations are a must!
At The Dentists' Office we regularly review our office procedures. We take every possible precaution
to protect our patients and staff. This office is proud of the level of its safety techniques and welcomes patients' questions.
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