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dentalinfotoday · 6 years ago

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Overwhelmed by your pick of dentists? Want to make sure you know how to find a good dentist? I’m confident you will have the tools you need to choose the perfect dentist’s office by the end of this article.

We’ll talk about what you need to know before selecting a new dentist, ways to find a great dentist, the right kind of questions to ask, and even how to spot a bad dentist.

Whether you��re looking because you’re in a new city, your employer switched dental insurance plans, your dentist is retiring, or you’ve just waited a really long time for a dental visit…No need to worry. There are many simple, straightforward ways to choose a dentist who’s right for you and your family.

Disclosure:

Ask the Dentist is supported by readers. If you use one of the links below and buy something, Ask the Dentist makes a little bit of money at no additional cost to you. I rigorously research, test, and use thousands of products every year, but recommend only a small fraction of these. I only promote products that I truly feel will be valuable to you in improving your oral health.

5 Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Dentist

How can you find a good local dentist? The best approach is to take it in stages.

Start by creating a short list of offices to check, then prepare to gather information. Before you know it, you’ll begin a new relationship with a great dentist that can last for years.

So, how do you begin making that list? Let’s look at five important factors in narrowing down your list of potential new dentists.

Factor #1: Is this provider in your dental insurance network?

US readers: dental insurance, particularly for preventative dental care (such as cleanings), may be a factor in choosing a dentist. Since it doesn’t work the same way as medical health insurance, I’ve outlined a few ways to understand working with a new dental practice below based on your insurance status.

If you’re unsure of the answer to this question, your healthcare provider should have a list of participating local dentists. This can typically be found on your health insurer’s website or through your employer (HR is a good place to start). The list can serve as a starting point in the search for the perfect dentist for you and your loved ones.

No dental insurance? No problem! Check out this article on how to keep up with dental visits sans dental insurance. (It’s not as hard as you might think.)

Here are a couple of great questions I’ve been asked on the topic of finding a dentist in your insurance network:

What if I’m satisfied with my current dentist, but they’re not in my network?

Keep going to the dentist you love!

To understand why this is probably the best choice, it’s important to know that dental prices are not standardized like medical charges.

In-network providers sign a contract in which they agree to be paid less than they’d hope to in exchange for being included in the network. The fee isn’t massive, and it’s worth it for many providers. However, if you’re out-of-network, you can technically charge anything you want.

Here are the two options I would recommend, in this order:

Show them your new dental insurance plan to find out if they’re willing to accept whatever the insurance company is willing to pay, then write off the rest. The downside to this is that you could eat up the cap on your dental insurance benefits for the year, which isn’t great if you have major work needed.

Ask for an “in-network fee schedule.” That schedule is set up to normalize every dental billing code and how much they agree to make from every insurance company for those codes. Most offices are willing to accept this, and it means you’ll pay similar prices with your existing dentist as you would by switching to an in-network provider.

Either way, the dental office will still file the claim for you. I suggest setting up an agreement for one of the above options before your appointment, so you understand what you will (and won’t) be required to pay.

What if I want to find a functional dentist, but don’t see one in my list of participating providers?

If your insurance doesn’t cover your ideal functional dentist, you may still be able to find a dentist with similar ideals.

Even if a dentist isn’t classified as a “functional” dentist or registered with that kind of academy of dentistry, dentists should all be familiar with the way diet influences dental health as well as the mouth-body connection. By asking questions about these issues up front, you may be surprised to find a dentist who takes a more functional approach than you first expect. (I discuss this in more detail below.)

Most offices are happy to listen to concerns, answer questions and have you come in for a first-time consult and tour of their office. And if they’re not, think of it as an easy cross off your list!

Plus, refer to the bullets above—even an out-of-network dentist is able to bill your insurance and may be willing to work with you on fee schedules.

Factor #2: Should you choose a dentist who’s a member of the ADA?

Many insurance plans and other resources (websites, etc.) will recommend you only see a dentist approved or registered with the American Dental Association (ADA). But there are other options out there to find a high-quality dentist.

For instance, I am a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), among others. (See my bio with the full list here.) I am not an ADA-registered dentist, though—I believe their recommendations on things such as fluoride and amalgam fillings aren’t evidence-based.

The dental professionals in the AADSM, and other similar organizations, are fully qualified Doctors of Dentistry. This association focuses much attention, research and training in the area of dental sleep medicine, including sleeping disorders and dental appliances that can be utilized to treat and reverse sleep disorders.

If you’re more comfortable with an ADA-registered dentist, that’s completely okay, too. Other organizations that a good dentist might belong to include:

American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM)

Academy of General Dentistry (Chicago, IL)

American Academy for Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH)

Keep in mind: All of these academies are “pay-to-play.” A dentist selects the ones that line up best with his or her approach to dentistry, but any board-certified dentist can pay for membership. As a member of any academy of dentistry, each dentist commits to that academy’s code of conduct and treatment standards, but they aren’t actively regulated by the association or academy. They do, however, have to keep up with that organization’s continuing education.

More important than the academies they belong to, your dentist should be board-certified and have a current registration with their state’s dental board.

So, should you choose a dentist who’s a member of the ADA? Not necessarily. If you know you struggle with bruxism or sleep apnea, it might make a good idea to partner with a dentist from one of the dental sleep medicine academies. If you’re more concerned with the impact your dental problems might be having on your overall health, an AAOSH dentist may be a better fit.

Don’t live in the US? Organizations like the British Dental Association, Canadian Dental Association, and Australian Dental Association may work for your needs.

Factor #3: Are you looking for a functional dentist?

I practice and promote functional dentistry. In short, this approach to dental care aims to solve problems at their root (no pun intended!) and treat the whole person, understanding that dental health is intrinsically linked to overall health.

More than just regular checkups, cleanings, fillings, crowns, and extractions, the functional dentist will educate you on how best to care for your teeth between regular visits. They will discuss the importance of diet beyond cutting out sugary drinks and candies. You may be prescribed dietary changes or less “mainstream” interventions for your dental health issues.

If that’s not what you’re looking for, that’s okay. Not everyone is interested in functional dentistry.

But if you do want to restrict your search that way, here are links to a few databases that might help to form a list of potential new dentists:

Holistic Dentistry

Campaign for Mercury-Free Dentistry

International Academy for Biologic Dentistry and Medicine (IABDM)

Huggins Applied Dentistry (this requires an application for the organization to connect you with an appropriate dentist)

Mercury-Safe Dentist Directory

Factor #4: What type of dental work are you looking for?

This is paramount to your final decision of which dentist to choose. The answer for how to find a good dentist is tied to what you feel are your greatest dental needs.

Do you want mainly regular checkups and cleanings? The field is wide open. Look for an office where you are comfortable with the dentist and staff, in a friendly but professional environment.

Have questions about sleep habits, apnea, or teeth grinding (bruxism), etc.? The sleep medicine dentist is likely the best choice for you, so you’ll want to search specifically within sleep dentistry organizations.

Are you looking for cosmetic work or other aesthetic dental treatments? In these cases, search for cosmetic dentists with plenty of reviews and before/after evidence for their cosmetic work.

Is your primary focus on your children’s dental care? Pediatric dentists go through the same rigorous education as any other dentist, but their offices are tailored to the young ones in our lives. Be sure to take your child/children with you when looking for the right office. Their first impression will be your most valuable form of discernment! (Here’s more on how to pick a great dentist specifically for your kiddo.)

Have you had a history of frequent cavities or more extensive dental procedures, such as dental surgeries? There are many dentists who share a practice with a specialist who performs root canals and other more extensive oral procedures. They may also have a great referral program with a local endodontist.

There are many other specialist for oral and dental needs, and unlike medical insurance, dental insurance typically doesn’t require a referral to cover these visits. Here are a few specialists you might consider seeing instead of a general dentist for your particular concerns:

Orthodontists deal specifically with treatment of misaligned teeth.

Periodontists specialize in dental treatment and prevention of gum-related diseases. If you have advanced gum disease, it’s a good idea to find a periodontist to partner with for treatment.

Prosthodontists restore and/or replace broken or missing teeth.

Endodontists perform root canals and monitor the healing process for about two years. However, your general/family dentist will be responsible for the accompanying dental crown, so it’s a good idea to work with both dentist and endodontist for a root canal treatment.

Oral/Maxillofacial Surgeons specialize in deep sedation surgeries (beyond laughing gas, etc.) for complex procedures like irregular tooth extractions, cleft palate surgery, or surgery to correct the jaw.

Factor #5: Does the dentist offer a translator?

Many folks speak great conversational second languages but may not be as comfortable or familiar with medical terminology, or know how to have an informed discussion about in-depth treatment plans, etc..

If you live in an area where your first learned language is uncommon, ask the offices you research if they have a translator that speaks your primary language.

What if one is not available, but you like the dentist office for other reasons? I would recommend taking a friend or family member with you who can easily translate, especially if you feel the least bit anxious about your visit or discussions of more extensive medical information.

7 Ways to Find a Good Dentist

I’m often asked: How do I find the best dentist in my area? How do I choose a new dentist?

Once you’ve considered the factors above, you’re ready to narrow down the exact dentist who’s right for you. Here are the best ways to find a good dentist you and your family will love.

1. Ask People You Trust

Ask people you know and trust, like family, close friends, and co-workers. Do they have a happy, bright smile? Find out who keeps it that way! As soon as one of them begins to rave about their dentist, get that name and number.

The best advice I can give about how to find a good dentist is this:

Who do you know who’s had extensive work done beyond standard cleanings or whitening? Find the person you know that raves about a dentist after considerable work, and you’ll be on the right track.

2. Get a Referral from a Physician or Pharmacist

Ask your family doctor or your local pharmacist. It’s a safe bet that these medical professionals have vetted out the dentists they use. These other medical providers probably get feedback on these dentists, so many times, you’ll get a great idea of the best dentists in your area using this method.

3. Search the Database of Your Chosen Dental Society

Compare practices from different associations such as the AADSM, ADA, AGD, etc. Here are links to dentist searches at the major associations listed above:

Find an AADSM Dentist

Find an AGD Dentist

Find an AAOSH Health Professional

American Dental Association: Find a Dentist

British Dental Association: Find a Member Practice

Canadian Dental Association: Contact Your Provincial Dental Association

Australian Dental Association Find a Dentist

4. Review Your Dental Insurance Network

Although dental insurance doesn’t necessarily need to play a part in this decision like medical insurance might, this is still one good way to find a good dentist.

Review the list of general dentists your insurance company provides who participate in your plan. Then, consider the factors I listed in the first section to figure out if one of them is right for you.

5. Google It (Or Use a Dental Provider Review Site)

It sounds almost too simple, but reading patient recommendations will answer many questions you have, and help add to, or eliminate some offices from your list. You can even start by searching “dentist near me” and sorting by the top-rated reviews.

Sites such as CareDash or ZocDoc rely on patient reviews to sell or discourage from one practice or another. These can help you get more specific reviews than a basic Google search may provide.

6. Narrow It Down with Questions + A Website Visit

Once you find your top picks using the above methods, go to their office website and look around.

A good dentist does not have to have a good website. However, a well-designed website, with lots of info about the practice, the staff, their specialties and strengths (and more patient reviews), can be a great indicator of a solid choice for you.

7. Double-Check Board Certification and State Licensure

Are dentists board certified? I’ve been asked this in the past. And the answer is yes.

You can read more about certification, and find out the certifications of your “short list” by visiting the American Board of Dental Specialties (ABDS). Almost every single time, you’ll find that your dentist is board certified and has a current state license.

However, there might be that one incredibly rare time that a dentist has failed to complete the necessary steps to get or renew one of these items. In these cases, I’d suggest looking elsewhere.

10 Questions to Ask Before or At Your First Appointment

There are several questions I’d recommend asking your dentist before the end of your first appointment. Depending on your specific needs, there isn’t necessarily a “wrong” answer to most of these questions.

Do you offer patients nutritional counseling?

A: There are probably traditional dentists who will talk to you about diet. However, they are likely to focus on the no-nos, such as foods and drinks high in sugar or acid content.

A functional dentist, however, will probably share many other nutritional tips and simple lifestyle changes. These will give you the added benefit of stronger teeth, healthier gums, and few cavities, PLUS a healthier you from head to toe. (More on what to eat for better dental health can be found here.)

If you’re not interested in the functional route, this answer may also be important. Some people don’t want nutritional counseling from the dentist and would be put off by it.

What are your primary goals in patient care?

A: I believe the most desirable answer is something like this: To do as little invasive work as possible, while giving the patients the best opportunity to avoid future problems, and extensive dental work.

Functional dentistry or not, you should look for a dentist who’s hoping to do the least work possible in correcting problems. Good dental health is all about prevention. An answer that sounds like they hope to do more work sounds to me like someone who may be trying to rip you off.

What will care in your office cost?

A: Ask for a price list of all standard procedures, including in-network and out-of-network prices. How much will x-rays cost? What if I need a filling? Many offices have a ready-made list they might be willing to email or fax you.

Others may suggest you come in for a face-to-face conversation, to go over any insurance you might have, or special prices for cash-only patients. If you have no dental insurance, this additional legwork is important to make sure you’re not being charged significantly more..

Don’t be afraid to ask about payment plans the dental office may offer, such as CareCredit. Especially for work beyond cleanings, it’s a good idea to have a plan to pay off this kind of work before having it done.

What work is done ‘in-house’, versus procedures that have to be referred out?

A: There are many functional dentists who do almost no procedures in the office. My personal recommendation would be to strike these practices off your list.

The best answer to this question would be something like: “I handle less invasive procedures in the office. However, if my exam indicates you need more extensive dental treatments or dental surgeries, I can refer you to other specialists I’ve come to know and trust.“

Where did you receive your degree?

A: All dental schools within the US are accredited, but the if the dentist was educated in a country with different standards and requirements, you might want to do more digging. Even if the school is within the US, look them up online to see what kind of reputation they have.

How long have you been in practice?

A: Ask this question to discover more about the experience of the dentist. A good dentist will be glad to share info about his/her dental school, years in practice, etc.

But I would also add that finding a new dentist who is only recently out of school doesn’t mean s/he isn’t capable, or that your care would be less than great. You might be talking to a young superstar who will provide amazing dental care and oral health for your and your family members for years to come.

Benefits of an established dentist might be that s/he has plenty of experience with patients, procedures, etc. A newer dentist might be more familiar with cutting-edge dental science.

How do you approach patients with dental anxiety/fear/phobia?

A: Many practices proudly advertise being great with “wimps.” Ask if they use any kind of gas to calm the nerves during procedures. (Don’t forget to check out the cost of gas; many insurance plans won’t cover it.)

You may also want to find out if they suggest using CBD for dental anxiety or other anxiety relief methods.

What is your procedure for dental emergencies?

A: Find out about any emergency hours or how a call service is used, what is the normal response time, etc. Some offices make this much easier than others, and it might be important when establishing a patient-dentist relationship.

Do you participate in a regular course of continuing education? If so, what is it?

A: It may seem like an invasive question, but a confident dentist who keeps his knowledge base up to date and growing will gladly provide an answer.

What are your office hours? And do those office hours include emergencies, or evening/weekend times?

A: This question may help you know how much the dentist considers the needs of working families. It may not be the major factor in how to find a good dentist, but it’s definitely an important one, especially if all the adults in your family have full-time day jobs.

How to Spot a Bad Dentist

I try to think the best of people, and this includes dentists and other medical professionals. Knowing how gratifying it is to work with a patient and see them implement positive dental health habits, it’s hard to imagine any other way to practice dentistry.

I’ve had a number of opportunities to serve as an expert witness for both the prosecution and the defense in cases where dentists are accused of malpractice. That experience, coupled with my years of service in dentistry, have given me a unique opportunity to see and compare dental offices of all kinds.

Here are several red flags you could encounter as you’re searching for the right dentist for you and your family members:

An unkempt office. Before you ever meet the staff or dentist, you first walk into the office. Pause to take a look around. Surfaces should be shiny and free of dust or smudges. Even older office space, with outdated carpet or furniture styles can be kept nice and tidy for a comfortable atmosphere. And look for a sparkling clean bathroom.

Rude or impatient staff. A good dentist will hire a staff who reflects well on him or her. Considering the trepidation many patients feel about coming to the dentist, a friendly staff go a long way in setting patients at ease before they ever meet the dentist.

A negative response from your child. When looking for a good pediatric dentist to care for children and teens, be sure the kids are present when you go to the office for a consult (once they are old enough to give you clues). Does your child respond well to the staff? Bottom line: The more at peace children are with their dentist, the more likely they are to continue good oral health into adulthood.

Defensiveness about treatment-related questions. In many cases, there are multiple treatment options you can choose from to correct or resolve dental problems. So, ask questions. A bad dentist might tell you there is only one way to approach treatment, and would then seem frustrated or put out for you to suggest some other way. That’s when you know it’s time to find another dentist.

A defensive attitude. No confident, quality dentist will have an issue with a patient asking for copies of dental records for a second opinion. If you feel any negativity or questioning about why you would want to get another dentist’s opinion, consider that another red flag, an indicator that it’s time to move on. (Side note: For a simple second opinion, try JustAnswer.com.)

Multiple, extensive procedures out of the blue. Some dentists will unnecessarily recommend multiple procedures from fillings to root canals to extra whitening services. Be leary of these kinds of pitches. It is unlikely many people would have 12 cavities in the space of a year, or be sent to the chair for 3 root canals in the same time period. Although not impossible, I would say those numbers are high and it’s a good idea to schedule a second opinion before agreeing to anything.

An uncomfortable feeling. Trust your gut! From the moment you enter the office, until the time you head toward the door to leave, you should feel comfortable and welcomed. If at any time this changes, it’s okay to walk away and find another provider.

Key Takeaways: How to Find a Good Dentist

Start by deciding what you want from a dentist. Whether you dread dental visits or have no particular issue with dental procedures, knowing what you’re looking for in a dentist is the springboard to finding the perfect fit for you and your family.

Do some research. Whether you use online resources to find a dentist or word of mouth referrals, form a short list of practices you think might be right for you and your family.

Ask some questions, then ask some more. The better the dentist, the more willing s/he will be to accommodate your inquiries. Whether your needs are simple and routine—checkups and cleanings—or you require more extensive work, the more you can discover up front will pay off in the end.

Lastly, don’t discount the red flags that might pop up, telling you a particular office isn’t good for you. Most of us know when we are being patronized, as well as we know when we’re being welcomed.

A good dental office will do all they can—with a clean, welcoming environment, and a friendly, well-informed staff—to win new patients over. And let’s face it: your teeth deserve the best care you can give them.

read next: No dental insurance? Here’s what to do.

The post How to Find a Good Dentist: 7 Tips + 10 FAQs appeared first on Ask the Dentist.

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clearcutortho01 · 2 years ago

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Invisalign For Kids in Huntley IL.

Invisalign can help your child achieve straighter teeth and a healthy smile. Kids often feel self-conscious about their appearance, so Invisalign can help boost their confidence. Invisalign is also more comfortable than traditional braces and doesn't interfere with normal activities. Invisalign can be an important tool for pediatric dentists in treating children. It can help correct teeth alignment issues early on, leading to better oral health in the future. Invisalign is a system of clear, removable braces used to straighten teeth. Invisalign for kids is a version of the system designed for children. It is made to be gentle on teeth and to fit comfortably in the mouth. It can be used to correct a wide variety of dental problems, including crooked teeth, overbites, and underbites.

Invisalign is a good option for people with mild to moderate orthodontic issues. It is not recommended for people with severe Misalignment or extensive orthodontic treatment needs. If you are considering Invisalign for Kids in Huntley, IL, Clearcut Orthodontics is the best option you can look for.

How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take

Invisalign treatment can take anywhere from six to eighteen months, depending on the severity of your case. In the beginning, your dentist will take impressions and digital x-rays of your teeth; these will be used to create a treatment plan. Once you start treatment, you must wear the aligners for at least twenty-two hours a day, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. You will also need to visit your dentist for occasional check-ups.

Benefits of Invisalign for Kids:

1. It's a Low-Maintenance Option

2. Helps Kids with Confidence

3. They're More Comfortable

4. Don't Have to Avoid Food

5. Makes Brushing and Flossing Easy

Dental Issues that can be treated:

Invisalign can be used to treat dental problems such as crooked teeth, overbite, underbite, open bite, crossbite, Gaps between teeth, Misalignment, and crowded teeth.

How to find an Invisalign provider

When looking for Invisalign for your kids, it's important to do your research. Many dentists offer Invisalign treatment, but not all can be reputable and experienced in treating children. While searching for an Invisalign, you must look if the dentist is experienced and certified; you can refer from your family, friends, or colleagues. You can also check google reviews of your nearby dentistry and schedule a consultation.

Clearcut Orthodontics

Dr. Skopek of Clearcut Orthodontics has provided Invisalign brand clear aligner orthodontic treatment for over 20 years and is one of the first orthodontists in Illinois to be certified to use the Invisalign system. He is a Diamond level provider. Looking for Invisalign for Kids in Huntley, IL ? contact our orthodontist or schedule an appointment today.

#Invisalign For Kids #Invisalign

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toothextraction1 · 2 years ago

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Tooth Sensitivity In Kids: Causes & What To Do About It

Is your youngster experiencing awareness? Tooth responsiveness can be portrayed as a terrible, stinging, or shivering sensation while eating hot cold or while cleaning teeth. In the event that your kid is experiencing tooth responsiveness, you want to take them to the pediatric dental specialist in Hawthorn Woods to ensure there aren't well-established issues. Various elements can make your youngster's teeth touchy. A couple is as per the following:

poor Brushing Habits Oral well-being is vital as it can influence your general well-being. It is vital to assist your kid with laying out legitimate oral cleanliness with the right brushing methods from the beginning to safeguard their teeth, gums, and veneer. Assuming your youngster cleans their teeth excessively hard, it can bring about gum or finish disintegration, which can make their teeth delicate to hot or cold food sources. Thusly, to guarantee your kid has legitimate oral wellbeing, you ought to take your kid to the pediatric dental specialist in Hawthorn Woods, who will show your kid how to clean their teeth and suggest the right brush and fluoride toothpaste to guarantee their teeth are protected and to safeguard their grin.

Depressions In the event that your youngster doesn't clean or floss their teeth consistently, it can cause tooth rot and responsiveness. This will cause them gigantic torment whenever left untreated. To guarantee your youngster doesn't experience the ill effects of responsiveness, screen their brushing and ensure they clean their teeth for two minutes consistently. You can likewise visit the pediatric dental specialist to seek fluoride medicines.

Sinus Infections Sinus diseases can antagonistically influence your wellbeing and something other than your nose. Assuming that your kid is inclined to sinus issues, they might encounter tooth responsiveness close to the highest point of the mouth. As the sinus pressure fabricates, it can cause your kid torment. You ought to take your kid to the pediatric dental specialist straightaway, who will prescribe the suitable treatment to give quick alleviation.

Teeth Grinding Teeth crushing or bruxism can adversely influence your youngster's oral wellbeing as causing them sensitivity is probable. Unnecessary bruxism can cause breaks, chips, or jaw torment, it can likewise cause torment when they nibble or bite. To ensure their teeth are protected, you can pick night watches.

Free Fillings Tooth fillings are utilized to supplant the areas of rot. Notwithstanding, now and again these fillings break down, become free, or drop out. It is likewise normal for a filling to dampen or drop out totally while your youngster eats something crunchy, chewy, or sticky. Broken or free fillings can be excruciating as the tooth's nerve is uncovered, and your kid will try not to clamp down as an afterthought where it harms. You ought to get to the dental specialist as quickly as time permits to ensure your kid's tooth doesn't get contaminated.

Losing Baby Teeth As your youngster's child teeth drop out, the long-lasting teeth come in, and your kid might encounter expanded awareness in their mouth. It can make responsiveness hot and cold temperatures, and air can make it more difficult. Assuming the agony becomes excruciating and your kid won't eat, you ought to visit the pediatric dental specialist in Hawthorn Woods immediately to stay away from malnourishment and to investigate the various choices to ease your kid's aggravation.

The Best Pediatric Dentist In Hawthorn Woods, IL Assuming your youngster is experiencing responsiveness, toothaches, and so forth, visit our pediatric dental specialist in Hawthorn Woods. At Hawthorn Woods Family Dental Care, our specialists will guarantee your kid gets the best treatment for all their dental issues. We will likewise assist them with laying out legitimate oral consideration, which will guarantee their grin goes on for a really long time. Reach us or book your arrangement today to get the best pediatric dental specialist in Hawthorn Woods who will assist your kid with all their oral issues.

#DentistInHawthornWoods #DentistHawthornWoods #HawthornWoodsDentist #DentistNearMe #PediatricDentistryHawthornWoods #PediatricDentistryNearMe #PediatricDentistry

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mylondondentist · 3 years ago

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Benefits Of Tongue Tie And Lip Tie Laser Surgery

Laser tongue and lip tie procedures are relatively new procedures in dental care for children, which has gained popularity over the past decade. The procedures are not invasive and easy to carry out, and cause minimal irritation for children. The objective is straightforward closing the open areas created by tight or excessive frenum's or releasing the frenum, which is too tight and interferes with the normal lip function.

Baby Laser Tongue And Lip Tie

The infant Infant Laser Lip & Tongue Tie is a revolutionary method more gentle than the conventional procedure.

Infant laser lip and tongue tie (IL&TT) procedure is a novel procedure for children suffering from (tongue-tie). The procedure can remove the redundant part of the frenum language, which splits your tongue into two components connected to the jaw's floor while the other is attached to the lower part of the jaw's upper.

Traditional surgery is a procedure that cuts through fat, skin, bone, and muscle during every procedure. IL&TT utilizes lasers that precisely cut only the tissues without causing damage to any of the structures. This procedure is completed within a matter of minutes with local . Typically, surgical procedures require general .

Tongue-Tie

Tongue-tie is a condition where the thin layer of membrane beneath the tongue blocks the tongue's movements. It can lead to difficulties in breastfeeding or speech and numerous other problems. The method to address the issue is known as the release of the tongue-tie laser procedure using lasers and can be carried out through an oral surgeon or a pediatric dentist.

To complete the process, you must follow a few steps to take off any excess skin either below or above the tongue. Use an incision that cuts through the membrane's webbing. Finally, by using surgical scissors, cut off all remaining webbing.

Laser Treatment Is A Type Of Surgical Treatment

Laser procedures are the surgical procedure for infants born with a tongue tie. It happens because the thin layer of tissue that runs under the tongue, which assists with breastfeeding, is too small and makes it difficult to tie the baby's tongue to the breast.

The procedure is carried out by a or an ear, nose and throat specialist trained for laser surgeries. The procedure has been offered in a majority of states since 2000. Studies have demonstrated that it alleviates problems with feeding in infants with a tongue tie.

Tongue-tie is a short thick tissue attached to the bottom of the tongue.

The passing of time may occasionally make the tongue tie-less obvious, but it's a significant risk factor in breastfeeding issues.

A tongue-tie may cause poor coordination between swallowing and sucking, resulting in difficulty swallowing and long-term feeding.

There is a variety of surgery on the tongue, based on the degree of severity.

Baby Has A Congenital Anomaly

The baby suffers from an abnormality in the genital area known as a tongue-tie. The baby's tongue is short, attached to the gums below. This could make it difficult for the baby to eat correctly.

The signs of a tongue tie in an infant

The difficulty in gaining access to

Constantly gagging when eating

Inability to take food into your mouth

Very little or no weight gain

There are several benefits of breastfeeding following the revision of a tongue tie. The most important reason is to reduce the possibility of a deficiency in the quantity of breast milk. Breastfeeding babies are less likely to develop infections, and infants who exclusively breastfeed for the first six months of their lives are less susceptible to respiratory or ear infections. If you've experienced sores or cracked or broken nipples before the revision, breastfeeding can also help heal these areas.

Many mothers might also wish to continue breastfeeding following their revision of their tongue-tie due to their enjoyment or believe strongly in its benefits for the health and development of their child. There is a possibility of continuing breastfeeding if you have difficulty during your procedure since there will be less pressure on the tissues within your mouth now that the ties are cut.

Nursing After Teeing The Tongue

It is possible to breastfeed after revision of the tongue tie. It is feasible if the mother is a lactation specialist to aid her.

The breastfeeding process starts with education about breastfeeding, which is provided by a lactation specialist who is certified to help new mothers learn how to feed their babies. The lactation consultant can also give the mother equipment for breastfeeding like bras and pads for breasts and teach her about the storage of breast milk and the proper techniques for feeding.

Breastfeeding consultations usually take place within the first few weeks of childbirth. Still, they can be scheduled at any point following or during the birth by calling an experienced lactation consultant in your area.

Problems with breastfeeding and difficulty in breastfeeding can be caused by a lack of breast milk, inadequate emptying of breasts, painful nasal nipples, engorgement, blocked ducts and Mastitis.

#tongue-tie laser procedure Tongue Tie Infant breastfeeding after tongue tie revision

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lupine-publishers-madohc · 5 years ago

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Lupine Publishers | Caregiver’s Oral Healthcare Practices And The Level of Utilisation Of Oral Health Services and The Dental Caries Experience Of 3-12-Year-Olds Suffering From Heart Disease in Nairobi, Kenya

Lupine Publishers | Dental and Oral Health Journals

Abstract

Cardiac diseases require that there is the meticulous maintenance of oral hygiene to avoid bacteremia, which has been associated with rheumatic heart disease and bacterial endocarditis. The aim was to establish the utilisation of oral health care and oral health practices of the caregiver about the oral hygiene and caries experience of children aged 3-12 years suffering from heart disease and were attending three pediatric cardiology clinics in Nairobi, Kenya. The study was descriptive and cross-sectional. It involved a study sample of children suffering from different types of cardiac conditions and attending the Pediatric cardiac clinics in three public institutions in Nairobi Kenya. The instruments the caregivers used to brush the children’s teeth were the toothbrush 61(75%); chewing stick 14(17%) and 6 (8%) never cleaned their teeth. Children who used a chewing stick had a lower dmft of 1.40±2.98 compared to a dmft of 3.22±3.59 among children who used the toothbrush, with Mann Whitney U, Z p=0.024 (p≤0.05).The children who brushed their teeth had a lower mean plaque score of 1.68±0.58 compared those who did not clean with a mean plaque of 2.28±0.40 with a Mann Whitney U, Z=-2.611, p=0.009(p≤0.05). It was noted that the children who had visited a dentist had a higher caries experience with a dmft of 4.18±4.13 and DMFT of 1.16±1.92. However, the children who had never sought treatment at a dental facility had lower dmft of 1.89±2.88; and DMFT of 0.36±1, and the differences were statistically significant with Mann Whitney U, Z p=0.008(p≤0.05). The plaque scores and caries experience were high in children whose caregivers had low aggregate utilisation of the oral health care facilities. However, those who had a low aggregate of oral hygiene practices had slightly higher plaque scores and caries experience.

Keywords: Cardiac Disease; Children; Utilisation; Oral Health Services; Caregivers

Introduction

Populations with chronic medical illness or other disabilities had the most unmet needs for oral health services [1], with poor oral hygiene and increased caries experience than the general population. For a child from a low-income family with heart disease, this means an added economic burden in an already tricky situation [2], as heart diseases necessitate regular dental check-ups and maintenance of meticulous oral hygiene. This concern has even been highlighted with new proposals on changes in the guidelines relating to prophylaxis against infective endocarditis [3,4]. The oral conditions may have a considerable impact on the general health status and quality of life of otherwise healthy children, but their effects on those children with acute and chronic illness can be more dangerous [5]. Children with cardiac defects and diseases are at increased risk or even life-threatening complications [6]. Hence the need for preventive dental health care geared to reducing the risks associated with management of the oral conditions under general anaesthesia. Also, the prolonged bleeding from warfarin medication often taken By the children [7-10]. Poor oral hygiene may give rise to a frequent bacteraemia under normal physiological conditions, and this can lead to a permanent risk of developing heart disease [11-14]. Two common oral diseases, namely periodontal and dental caries, though preventable, are still more prevalent in Kenya [15,16]. The children with heart disease have the disadvantage that their caregivers are preoccupied with the with the primary medical condition the cardiac disease, resulting in the neglect of other facets of the child’s total health [17]. The Kenya National Oral Health policy document has already indicated that the dmft value for Kenyan 5-year old children as at 2002 was 1.5±2.2, while 43% of 6-8-year-old children had caries [15], underscoring the fact that caries is still very rampant amongst the child population in Kenya.

The study was descriptive and cross-sectional where all the patients aged 3 to 12 years and their caregivers attending paediatric cardiology clinics over a three month period at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Gertrude’s Garden Children’s Hospital (GGCH) and Mater Hospital. A Purposive sampling had been used to select the study hospitals. Based on Kliegman. study, the study population sample was determined as 79 cases. However, 81 patients were recruited in the study. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on the socio-demographic characteristics of the children and the parent/guardian habits on oral health practices and utilization of oral health services. As children waited to consult the cardiologist clinical examinations done to record the oral health status. The examination was conducted using sterilized instruments and under natural daylight, with the participants seated on a chair facing the window. Great care was taken during periodontal probing for gingivitis, to avoid initiating bleeding that could lead to septicaemia as the children were not on prophylactic antibiotics. The results were recorded on predesigned individual questionnaire sheets, and a record of dental caries and plaque was done. The dental caries was then recorded as dmft for the primary dentition and DMFT in the permanent [18,19], and the dental plaque was marked based on the Loe and Silness plaque score index [20]. Before commencement of the study, the examiner was calibrated by an experienced paediatric dentist on the collection of data relating to dental caries, and dental plaque Cohen’s kappa index score of 0.87 and 0.85 (n=10) was obtained for dental caries and plaque score respectively. The questionnaire was pre-tested before use. A duplicate clinical examination was also performed by the examiner to determine intra-examiner consistency, with results of Cohen’s kappa index score of 0.91 and 0.86 (n=12) being obtained for dental caries and plaque score respectively.

Data analysis

The data collected was cleaned, coded and analyzed using SPSS version 17-computer software from SPSS Inc. IL. The results obtained were compared and tested using Kruskal Wallis Chi-square and Mann Whitney U statistical tests, with statistical significance pegged at 95% confidence interval.

Results

The 81 children in the study, 44 (54.3%) were males and 37 (45.7%) females. Their ages ranged between 3-12 years with a mean age of 8.16 years (± 2.81 SD), and the 6-9-year-olds accounted for the most substantial proportion of 33 (40.7%) compared to the 3-5 year-olds who formed 16(19.8%). The differences in ages and gender were not statistically significant Chi χ2 =1.287, two df, p=0.525(p≤0.05). A total of 37(46%) children were from rural areas, 28(34%) were from Nairobi, and 16(20%) were from other urban centres other than Nairobi. The distribution of the children according to the type of heart disease, rheumatic (RHD) accounted for 36(44.5%) while infective endocarditis (IE) affected 4(4.9%). The duration since diagnosis of the cardiopathy ranged from less than one year to 12 years. Nearly half of the children, 40 (49%) had been diagnosed with the disease for a duration of between 1 to 5 years, while those who had been diagnosed more than five years and those less than one year accounted for 30% and 21% respectively. The caregivers’ oral health care practices that included how the child’s teeth were brushed; the frequency of brushing; and whether tooth brushing was supervised showed that 75(93%) children cleaned their teeth and 6(7%) children did not clean their teeth. Of the group that cleaned their teeth, 33(44%) did it twice a day, 29(39%) once a day while 16% once in a while/occasionally. About supervision, 62 (83%) reported cleaning their teeth without supervision while 13 were assisted by the caregivers. Inquiry on the ways the child’s teeth were cleaned, 75% (61) of the children used toothbrush and the rest of the results were as shown in Figure 1. The children who used toothpaste were 59 (79%) while 16 (21%) never use any toothpaste.

Figure 1:

Considering the utilisation of oral health care services by children with heart diseases; fifty-nine (72.8%), children had never visited a dentist or utilised oral health services. Among the 22 (27.2%) children who had been to a dentist, the dental procedure during the last appointment included extraction 10 (12.3%). Also cleaning/prophylaxis (1(1.2%)), consultation ; check-up 9(11.1%) and fillings 2(2.5%).Caregiver’s oral healthcare practices and the dental caries experience about the children five children who never cleaned their teeth had a higher dmft of 2.93±2.50 compared to a lower dmft of 2.89 ±3.54 among the 56 children who cleaned their teeth, and the differences were insignificant with p=0.957(p≤0.05).

The differences in the frequency of tooth cleaning, the eleven children who cleaned their teeth once in a while had a higher dmft of 3.36±5.29 and the 23 children who cleaned twice a day had lower dmft of 2.68±2.77, but.difference was not statistically significant with p=0.936(p≤0.05). The children who used a chewing stick had a lower dmft of 1.40±2.98 compared to a dmft of 3.22±3.59 among the 46 children who used the toothbrush, with the difference was not statistically significant, p=0.024(p≤0.05). The children who had visited the dentist apparently had a higher caries experience with dmft of 4.18±4.13 and DMFT of 1.16±1.92 when related to the children who had never visited a dentist, who had lower dmft of 1.89±2.88; and DMFT of 0.36±1. These differences in the results were statistically significant, p=0.008(p≤0.05). The rest of the results are as shown in Table 1. When the caregivers were classified into two groups based on the responses to the oral healthcare practices as being favourable or unfavourable practices,53 (86%) caregivers fell in the unfavourable oral healthcare practices. Fiftythree children whose caregivers displayed unfavourable practices had a higher dmft of 3.62±3.54 compared to dmft of 2.74±2.85 among the eight children whose caregivers displayed favourable oral healthcare practices. The difference was statistically significant with Mann Whitney U, Z= -1.297, p=0.197(p≤0.05). The mean plaque score was significantly lower among the 75 children who reported to cleaning their teeth with mean plaque scores of 1.68±0.58, compared to a higher mean PS of 2.28±0.40 among the six children who never cleaned their teeth with p=0.009(p≤0.05). Those children who used the toothbrush had lower mean plaque scores of 1.64±0.61. The children who cleaned more than twice a day had the lowest mean plaque score of 1.55±0.63; and those who cleaned their teeth occasionally had the highest mean plaque scores of 1.99±0.41, though these differences were not statistically significant with χ2 =0.067, 1df, p =0.936 (p≤0.05), Table 2. The mean plaque scores among the 22 (27%) children who had been to a dentist was mean PS of 1.68±0.55 compared to higher plaque score of 1.83±0.61 among the 59 (73%) children who had never been to a dentist Table 2. However, the difference was not significant, with p=0.422 (p≤0.05)

Table 1:

Table 2:

Discussion

Despite the majority of the respondents, 75(93%), with the majority reporting that their children cleaned their teeth, only 33(44%) of these children cleaned their teeth at least twice a day, 62(83%), of them, cleaning their teeth without supervision by the caregivers. Seven children had never visited a dentist to have teeth cleaned teeth cleaned. Also, some children had occasional cleaning of their teeth, and this puts the children the risk of developing early childhood caries, gingivitis, and poor oral health. The poor oral health may which may give rise to frequent transient bacteremia during mastication or tooth brushing. Other studies among children with heart diseases have reported that 55 % of the children brushed their teeth twice a day [21,22] and that 46.1% of the children brushed three times a day. Owino et al [26] reported that 67.5% of the 12-year-old children in a peri-urban area brushed their teeth. Franco et, al [25] in their study considered as disappointing the percentage of children with congenital heart disease who had never visited a dentist, a reflection of other results obtained in studies by Silva et al [23], Saunders et al.[18], and Fonseca et al [5]. In this study, the very high percentage of the children examined had never seen a dentist, with only 22(27.2%) of the children have been to a dentist before the stu dy. Moreover, even though, most of the treatment, which had been offered during their visit to the dentist, was extraction, just as reported in a study, Ober et al [24]. The finding is alarming since the American Heart Association recommends that children with heart disease should visit a dentist for the institution of preventive measures.

The lower frequency of dental visits in this study compared to other studies in developed countries could be because of the reasons that include the fact that; most of the caregivers are ignorant on the importance of preventive dental care among the children with heart disease. Most of the patients examined were of lower socioeconomic status, therefore, could not afford the treatment. Also; the dental facilities in Kenya are limited, inaccessible and most of them lack skilled dental personnel who are well trained to offer treatment to children with special needs. The use of other tooth cleaning devices like the chewing stick was illustrated in this study. Majority of the children who were using this device were mostly from rural areas where other tooth cleaning aids may not be available. The outstanding fact was that the children examined were from different residential backgrounds. The patients who used the chewing stick in this study had significantly lower dental caries experience than those who used the toothbrush. The low caries experience in the children who used the chewing stick may be because they could not afford the snacks between meals. The low could probably be explained by the fact most of the children who used the chewing stick were from rural areas where the dental caries experience was shown to be lower compared to urban centres possibly because of the difference in the diet. Also, some studies have demonstrated the cariostatic and bacteriostatic properties of some specific species of trees, which are used as chewing sticks. It is also possible that a few children who started to use the brush late in life after severe early childhood caries had been established could have skewed the high caries experience illustrated among the children who were using the brush.

The caregivers’ aggregate oral healthcare practices did not significantly influence the dental caries experience among the children in the present study. The lack of differences in the gadgets for cleaning the teeth may be due to the small sample size where there was a loss of statistical power. Fifty-three (65; 4%) children whose caregivers were classified as portraying “unfavorable practices” had higher caries experience with mean dmft of 3.62±3.54 (n=53) compared to 2.74±2.85 (n=8) among the children whose caregivers reported “unfavorable practices” on oral care. The children who had been to a dentist had a higher dmft than those children who had never been to a dentist. This finding illustrates that children visit a dentist when dental disease dental caries has already occurred and that the majority of the treatment offered was curative to relieve the symptoms, with little or no emphasis on preventive oral care. The lack of focus on preventive oral care was further illustrated by the high proportion of active, untreated caries component of dmft compared to filled or extracted teeth. Despite the fact that caregivers’ aggregate oral health care practices had no significant relationship with the oral hygiene of the children as noted earlier, thirteen children whose caregivers reported “favourable practices” had lower plaque scores of 1.69 ±0.54. However, the plaque scores of sixty-eight children whose caregiver’s had reported favourable practices had a mean plaque score of 1.73±0.59 slightly higher.The children who cleaned their teeth had significantly lower plaque scores compared to those children who never cleaned teeth. The children whose teeth were never cleaned were at high risk of developing sub acute bacterial endocarditis when compared to the children who cleaned teeth regularly. As during the tooth brushing process, there is the mechanical removal plaque thus reducing the possibility of increased bacterial colonization of the plaque and reducing chances of bacteraemia during mastication. It was noted the that toothbrushes were more effective in control of plaque compared to the use of chewing sticks, though there was no significant difference between the two groups. The results of these study showed that children who had been to a dentist displayed better oral hygiene than those children who had never been to a dentist, though there was no statistical difference. The difference perhaps indicates that the dentist visited previously could have offered oral hygiene instructions on good tooth brushing techniques. In addition to that, the caregivers’ aggregate oral healthcare practices did not significantly influence dental caries experience among the children. Those children whose caregivers were classified as portraying “unfavorable practices “on oral care, had higher caries experience with mean dmft of 3.62±3.54 (n=53) compared to 2.74±2.85 (n=8).

The children who had been to a dentist had higher dmft than those children who had never been to a dentist. The finding may be rationalised that children who visited the dentist they did so when dental caries had already occurred. The primary treatment offered was curative to relieve the symptoms, with little or no emphasis on preventive oral care. The situation was further illustrated by the high proportion of active, untreated caries component of dmft compared to filled or extracted teeth.

Conclusion

The utilization of oral health care and oral health practices of the caregiver of the children was low, and only apparent used in case of emergency mainly. The oral hygiene, gingival index and dental caries experience in the study population was high.

Study limitations

The study was only for three months. Hence children who had had appointments in the previous clinics were excluded. The small sample size based in three cardiology clinics may have created a bias. The clinic was limited to 3-23-year-olds excluding the older children 13-17 this is the policy on how paediatric age cut off as defined by the ministry of health.

Acknowledgment

We thank Professor Loice Gathece for contribution in the design of the study. The Kenyatta National Hospital and the University of Nairobi Ethics and Research Committee fors approval of the proposal. Alice Lakati who helped in statistical work and Dr. E. Kagereki and Dr. Kiprop for data entry. The Nurses and the staff at the Paediatric Cardiac clinics at the KNH, Mater Hospital and the Gertrudes’ Garden children Hospital for facilitating data collection during the clinical examinations for the patients. We acknowledge all the parents and children who participated in the study without whom the study would not have been a success.

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kristinsimmons · 6 years ago

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How to Find a Good Dentist: 7 Tips + 10 FAQs

We’ll talk about what you need to know before selecting a new dentist, ways to find a great dentist, the right kind of questions to ask, and even how to spot a bad dentist.

Whether you’re looking because you’re in a new city, your employer switched dental insurance plans, your dentist is retiring, or you’ve just waited a really long time for a dental visit…No need to worry. There are many simple, straightforward ways to choose a dentist who’s right for you and your family.

Disclosure:

5 Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Dentist

How can you find a good local dentist? The best approach is to take it in stages.

Start by creating a short list of offices to check, then prepare to gather information. Before you know it, you’ll begin a new relationship with a great dentist that can last for years.

So, how do you begin making that list? Let’s look at five important factors in narrowing down your list of potential new dentists.

Factor #1: Is this provider in your dental insurance network?

No dental insurance? No problem! Check out this article on how to keep up with dental visits sans dental insurance. (It’s not as hard as you might think.)

Here are a couple of great questions I’ve been asked on the topic of finding a dentist in your insurance network:

What if I’m satisfied with my current dentist, but they’re not in my network?

Keep going to the dentist you love!

To understand why this is probably the best choice, it’s important to know that dental prices are not standardized like medical charges.

Here are the two options I would recommend, in this order:

What if I want to find a functional dentist, but don’t see one in my list of participating providers?

If your insurance doesn’t cover your ideal functional dentist, you may still be able to find a dentist with similar ideals.

Plus, refer to the bullets above—even an out-of-network dentist is able to bill your insurance and may be willing to work with you on fee schedules.

Factor #2: Should you choose a dentist who’s a member of the ADA?

If you’re more comfortable with an ADA-registered dentist, that’s completely okay, too. Other organizations that a good dentist might belong to include:

American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM)

Academy of General Dentistry (Chicago, IL)

American Academy for Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH)

More important than the academies they belong to, your dentist should be board-certified and have a current registration with their state’s dental board.

Don’t live in the US? Organizations like the British Dental Association, Canadian Dental Association, and Australian Dental Association may work for your needs.

Factor #3: Are you looking for a functional dentist?

If that’s not what you’re looking for, that’s okay. Not everyone is interested in functional dentistry.

But if you do want to restrict your search that way, here are links to a few databases that might help to form a list of potential new dentists:

Holistic Dentistry

Campaign for Mercury-Free Dentistry

International Academy for Biologic Dentistry and Medicine (IABDM)

Huggins Applied Dentistry (this requires an application for the organization to connect you with an appropriate dentist)

Mercury-Safe Dentist Directory

Factor #4: What type of dental work are you looking for?

This is paramount to your final decision of which dentist to choose. The answer for how to find a good dentist is tied to what you feel are your greatest dental needs.

Do you want mainly regular checkups and cleanings? The field is wide open. Look for an office where you are comfortable with the dentist and staff, in a friendly but professional environment.

Are you looking for cosmetic work or other aesthetic dental treatments? In these cases, search for cosmetic dentists with plenty of reviews and before/after evidence for their cosmetic work.

Orthodontists deal specifically with treatment of misaligned teeth.

Periodontists specialize in dental treatment and prevention of gum-related diseases. If you have advanced gum disease, it’s a good idea to find a periodontist to partner with for treatment.

Prosthodontists restore and/or replace broken or missing teeth.

Factor #5: Does the dentist offer a translator?

If you live in an area where your first learned language is uncommon, ask the offices you research if they have a translator that speaks your primary language.

7 Ways to Find a Good Dentist

I’m often asked: How do I find the best dentist in my area? How do I choose a new dentist?

Once you’ve considered the factors above, you’re ready to narrow down the exact dentist who’s right for you. Here are the best ways to find a good dentist you and your family will love.

1. Ask People You Trust

The best advice I can give about how to find a good dentist is this:

2. Get a Referral from a Physician or Pharmacist

3. Search the Database of Your Chosen Dental Society

Compare practices from different associations such as the AADSM, ADA, AGD, etc. Here are links to dentist searches at the major associations listed above:

Find an AADSM Dentist

Find an AGD Dentist

Find an AAOSH Health Professional

American Dental Association: Find a Dentist

British Dental Association: Find a Member Practice

Canadian Dental Association: Contact Your Provincial Dental Association

Australian Dental Association Find a Dentist

4. Review Your Dental Insurance Network

Although dental insurance doesn’t necessarily need to play a part in this decision like medical insurance might, this is still one good way to find a good dentist.

5. Google It (Or Use a Dental Provider Review Site)

Sites such as CareDash or ZocDoc rely on patient reviews to sell or discourage from one practice or another. These can help you get more specific reviews than a basic Google search may provide.

6. Narrow It Down with Questions + A Website Visit

Once you find your top picks using the above methods, go to their office website and look around.

7. Double-Check Board Certification and State Licensure

Are dentists board certified? I’ve been asked this in the past. And the answer is yes.

However, there might be that one incredibly rare time that a dentist has failed to complete the necessary steps to get or renew one of these items. In these cases, I’d suggest looking elsewhere.

10 Questions to Ask Before or At Your First Appointment

Do you offer patients nutritional counseling?

A: There are probably traditional dentists who will talk to you about diet. However, they are likely to focus on the no-nos, such as foods and drinks high in sugar or acid content.

If you’re not interested in the functional route, this answer may also be important. Some people don’t want nutritional counseling from the dentist and would be put off by it.

What are your primary goals in patient care?

What will care in your office cost?

What work is done ‘in-house’, versus procedures that have to be referred out?

A: There are many functional dentists who do almost no procedures in the office. My personal recommendation would be to strike these practices off your list.

Where did you receive your degree?

How long have you been in practice?

A: Ask this question to discover more about the experience of the dentist. A good dentist will be glad to share info about his/her dental school, years in practice, etc.

Benefits of an established dentist might be that s/he has plenty of experience with patients, procedures, etc. A newer dentist might be more familiar with cutting-edge dental science.

How do you approach patients with dental anxiety/fear/phobia?

You may also want to find out if they suggest using CBD for dental anxiety or other anxiety relief methods.

What is your procedure for dental emergencies?

Do you participate in a regular course of continuing education? If so, what is it?

A: It may seem like an invasive question, but a confident dentist who keeps his knowledge base up to date and growing will gladly provide an answer.

What are your office hours? And do those office hours include emergencies, or evening/weekend times?

How to Spot a Bad Dentist

Here are several red flags you could encounter as you’re searching for the right dentist for you and your family members:

Key Takeaways: How to Find a Good Dentist

Do some research. Whether you use online resources to find a dentist or word of mouth referrals, form a short list of practices you think might be right for you and your family.

read next: No dental insurance? Here’s what to do.

The post How to Find a Good Dentist: 7 Tips + 10 FAQs appeared first on Ask the Dentist.

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