Find a Thorough Caring Holistic Family Dental Practice in Western Massachusetts by Dr. Larry Life

www.meadowplacedental.com

Questions every patient should ask when looking for a new dentist.

Any time you are choosing a healthcare provider, you always wonder where you can find out the things that other people already know. Do not choose a dentist just because they are the first office to send you a discount coupon in the mail. It is easier to decide on a dentist when you know what to look for ahead of time.

Here are some key questions you can ask over the phone before you make an appointment. These four questions will help you find the right dental care provider for you:

1. What continuing education has the dentist taken in the last 12 months? New developments in dentistry are emerging every day. Leading edge technologies, new ways to diagnose, and better treatments are being discovered, tested, and confirmed regularly. Your dentist of choice should be keeping up with all of the newest developments. You will want to have a dentist who can provide you with all of the potential treatments for every condition. If the appointment coordinator on the phone can´t tell you exactly what courses have been taken lately they should be able to get the answer very quickly.

2. How long will it take to perform my initial examination? Be sure that you are going to a dentist who will provide a thorough initial exam so that you and the dentist will be totally aware of your entire oral health condition. Check to see if the dentist will take the time with you to discuss your condition and treatment options. A thorough dentist will set aside nearly an hour to do a complete exam and consultation.

3. What is included in my initial exam? Some dentists may just take a cursory glance around and ask what hurts. This may be a "look-see" to detect the obvious, but it isn´t an effective exam that will protect you and your long-term health. You should become aware of the dentist´s preventive and conservative philosophy during the examination.

There are four things a thorough exam should include:

(a) A check of all your teeth for decay including the current condition of any existing restorations. You should be given the option of having a full series of X-rays rather that just four "bite-wings" if the total condition of your dental health is being evaluated thoroughly.

(b) A complete and thorough check of the health of your gums with a periodontal measurement probe. Areas of gum recession should be noted and possible causes discussed.

(c) A check of your bite should be made to determine how your teeth come together. The check should determine if there is balance, excessive wear, joint symptoms or muscle pain.

(d) There should be an oral cancer exam to check for any signs of oral cancer. If the prospective dentist is up-to-date, the office will have on hand the latest technology called VELscope® or ViziLite®. An oral cancer exam using either of these technologies enables the dentist to immediately see if there are any abnormal tissue cells in the mouth. You should have an oral cancer exam at least annually.

4. Ask what will occur between your arrival at the office and when the dentist starts the actual exam. This will determine if there will be time for you to talk to a treatment coordinator or to the dentist before the work begins. A dentist interested in you and your health will set time aside to listen to your concerns and expectations during your first visit.

When you have investigated these four things, take time to do a brief mental review of the experience you have had. The treatment you receive from the appointment coordinator or receptionist can often be an indication of how you are going to be treated in that office by other team members, as well as the dentist.

As you enter the office, be a detective. You may see little things that could be symptoms of more significant things going on behind the scenes. Here are some things to observe:

1. Is the reception area tidy, organized, neat, and clean? This may be an indication of how organized and clean the entire office is likely to be.

2. Are you seen on time? This will provide an indication of whether this is a people-oriented practice or one that is just treating teeth. It may not be realistic to expect the dental practice to be right on schedule all the time, but it is realistic to expect to be told within 10 minutes of your arrival if there will be a time delay.

3. If visiting the restroom, is it neat and clean? What you find there will likely give you an idea of what you can expect in the total office in terms of organization, cleanliness, and attention to detail.

4. Are the doctor and the members of the dental team good examples of proper dental health and hygiene? Do they have attractive smiles? This is an indication of whether they believe in what they are doing. The dental team should be good examples of the service(s) they provide.

The above suggestions have been provided to you by Dr. Larry Life, one of the dentists in a progressive, wellness oriented group practice in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts. Take the time to ask the right questions so you´ll have the peace of mind of knowing that you are in the best hands for what you want for the long term health of your mouth and your smile.

www.meadowplacedental.com