Your dentist is an invaluable resource when it comes to maintaining oral health. Our Saint Louis dental team encourages patients to be proactive about protecting their smiles—if you have a question, don’t be afraid to ask!
Here are a few questions to address with your dental team:
Who do I call in an emergency?
Talk to your dental team about how you should proceed in case of dental emergency. Many dentists, like our team, offer emergency dental treatment. However, some dentists will refer you to another provider in case of emergency.
Take the time to find out whether your dentist offers same-day emergency care. Confirm what phone number you should call—some practices maintain an additional phone line for emergency cases.
How would you describe your treatment philosophy?
You want to make sure that your treatment goals coincide with your provider’s philosophy of care. Ask your dental team about their specialties—do they invest in new technologies; are they aesthetically-driven; do they consider themselves a family practice? All dental practices are different. Don’t be afraid to take the time to find a dental team that meets your unique needs.
What kinds of technology do you utilize?
Advancements in dental technology have made dental treatment faster, more effective, and more comfortable than ever before. When you meet with a new dentist, ask them about the kinds of technologies they use. How do they craft restorations, for example? And are these restorations tailored to fit the patient’s aesthetic and functional needs? Do they use a specific type of professional whitening treatment? Asking these kinds of questions early will set you up for success down the road.
As always, our Saint Louis dentists are here to give you any additional information that you may need. And you can always schedule a personal consultation with our team for more personalized tips and tricks!