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Sometimes, dentists recommend procedures that are not medically necessary. You probably guessed why they do it. So, how to know if the procedure is really necessary for you? Do you need a second opinion?
Actually, there’s a lot to consider before you agree to a dental procedure. It’s important to ask certain questions beforehand. Keep in mind that as a patient, you have rights. You have the right to ask any question before agreeing to any recommended dental procedure.
Before we look at the questions you need to ask your dentist, you need to know several essential things. Regular dental visits are an essential part of keeping your teeth and gums strong and healthy. Also, your dentist should be equipping you with the important resources to maintain proper oral health, including information about what to eat and what to avoid to heal and prevent tooth decay, and how to brush your teeth correctly.
Although root canals, fillings, and root planings are necessary, you don’t have to agree to them without having a full understanding of why your doctor recommended this procedure and if there are other suitable and less invasive procedures. So, let’s review seven questions that will help you avoid unnecessary procedures, bad results, and other unpleasant things.
Don’t be afraid to ask your dentist about the type of material they use to fill cavities. If your doctor tells you that they use metal (amalgam fillings made from mercury), there is no point in wasting your time in that clinic. Metal fillings are dangerous to our health and therefore dentists usually use safer cheap materials like ceramic fillings.
Most cheap filling materials are actually dangerous such as fluoride in glass ionomers and BPA in composite resin. Composite resin and plastic fillings carry less risk.
Many dentists might go mad if you ask them about remineralization or reversing a dental cavity on your own. Knowing the depth of your cavity will help you understand whether your tooth has decay that can be reversed. Moreover, knowing this information will help you avoid unnecessary dental procedures.
Surprisingly but today many dentists still don’t discuss nutrition with their patients. Without a proper diet, you won’t be able to reverse tooth decay and avoid many dental issues, for example, dry mouth or gingivitis.
If you suddenly got a lot of cavities, extremely sensitive teeth, or any other problem, and your dentist tells you that all the aforementioned is because of improper brushing or flossing, it’s worth finding a qualified family dentist before you agree to have any dental procedure done.
Many dentists recommend eating a paleo diet or focus on organic vegetables and healthy fats. They also advise limiting or avoiding sugary foods, grains, and processed carbs since all of these foods negatively affect the oral microbiome and lead to tooth decay and many other problems. Remember that the best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy is to prevent dental issues.
You can go to dental school. Dental students enjoy the opportunity to use their skills to help people fight the current dental problems. Their teachers like to see them getting real experience. Many people are skeptical about this idea but it’s important to know that all dental students are carefully monitored and mentored by fully qualified professors.
All medical procedures including dental procedures have advantages and some risks. Before agreeing to any procedure, you need to learn about all possible risks and benefits. This will help you make the correct decision.
