Once you have narrowed down your list of dentists that seem to match your most important criteria, call their offices to learn more about the dental services they provide. Below you can find a few questions to help get your discussion going:

• Inform the dentist about yourself, any specific needs you have, and the services you would like.
• Will the dentist offer possible treatment options for your dental care and explain their costs, benefits and potential negatives so that you can make intelligent choices?
• Ask the dentist to explain the overall goals of treatment. Ideally, he or she should be committed to both your appearance and your overall health. If one or the other doesn’t seem to be important, you may want to consider searching for another dentist.
• What are their office hours, and how is emergency dental care provided outside of those hours?
• What fees are charged for common services such as sealants or fluoride (for children), routine fillings, dental x-rays, root canals, teeth cleaning, crowns, caps and bridges?
• When will payments be due? Some dentists may offer the option to create payment terms if the bill will be over a specific amount so that the dental charges can be paid for over a set period of time instead of in one lump sum. While it may appear easier to use a charge card to pay the dentist bills, the interest charges can turn into a greater financial burden financial burdens later on… especially if you’re already on a very tight budget.
• If you are covered by a dental insurance plan, does the dentist participate in your dental plan? Otherwise, will you have to send claim forms to your insurance company for reimbursement?
• What’s the dentist’s position on missed appointments, and/or canceling an appointment?

In the US and Canada, dentists commonly emphasize practices and services that prevent dental problems or that enable their early detection. For instance, dentists may recommend teeth be cleaned by a dental hygienist on a routine basis (typically twice a year); and x-rays be made of teeth for early detection of caries (cavities), infections, or gum disease (the frequency will depend on your individual health needs). If cavities are discovered during an exam, most dentists will counsel that it be treated immediately instead of holding off with treatment. Again, they put emphasis on treating the problems early to avoid further oral decay.

As a dental patient, you have the right to attentive and respectful service; to be educated about the dental procedures to be used, the anticipated pros and cons of all treatment options; and to be offered an estimate of fees involved with every dental treatment.

Don’t be shy to ask your dentist direct questions if you need more information, and to ask a second (or even third) time if you don’t understand the explanation you were offered. As with any other medical care, you and your dentist share in the responsibility to make decisions about your dental treatment decisions.

If you are dissatisfied with the dental services you receive or have a complaint about your dental care, you can certainly voice your concerns to the dentist, call your state or local dental association or contact your insurance office to resolve the matter. Remember, you could always select an alternate dentist for all your dental needs.

According to the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, “Taking care of your mouth, teeth and gums isn’t just a matter of good grooming. It can prevent infections, and maybe even diseases, throughout your body.” No question, taking responsibility for your dental health now can most certainly pay back huge dividends in your overall health, for the rest of your life.

Once you have narrowed down your list of dentists that seem to match your most important criteria, call their offices to learn more about the dental services they provide. Below you can find a few questions to help get your discussion going:

Inform the dentist about yourself, any specific needs you have, and the services you would like.
• Will the dentist offer possible treatment options for your dental care and explain their costs, benefits and potential negatives so that you can make intelligent choices?
• Ask the dentist to explain the overall goals of treatment. Ideally, he or she should be committed to both your appearance and your overall health. If one or the other doesn’t seem to be important, you may want to consider searching for another dentist.
• What are their office hours, and how is emergency dental care provided outside of those hours?
• What fees are charged for common services such as sealants or fluoride (for children), routine fillings, dental x-rays, root canals, teeth cleaning, crowns, caps and bridges?
• When will payments be due? Some dentists may offer the option to create payment terms if the bill will be over a specific amount so that the dental charges can be paid for over a set period of time instead of in one lump sum. While it may appear easier to use a charge card to pay the dentist bills, the interest charges can turn into a greater financial burden financial burdens later on… especially if you’re already on a very tight budget.
• If you are covered by a dental insurance plan, does the dentist participate in your dental plan? Otherwise, will you have to send claim forms to your insurance company for reimbursement?
• What’s the dentist’s position on missed appointments, and/or canceling an appointment?

In the US and Canada, dentists commonly emphasize practices and services that prevent dental problems or that enable their early detection. For instance, dentists may recommend teeth be cleaned by a dental hygienist on a routine basis (typically twice a year); and x-rays be made of teeth for early detection of caries (cavities), infections, or gum disease (the frequency will depend on your individual health needs). If cavities are discovered during an exam, most dentists will counsel that it be treated immediately instead of holding off with treatment. Again, they put emphasis on treating the problems early to avoid further oral decay.

As a dental patient, you have the right to attentive and respectful service; to be educated about the dental procedures to be used, the anticipated pros and cons of all treatment options; and to be offered an estimate of fees involved with every dental treatment.

Don’t be shy to ask your dentist direct questions if you need more information, and to ask a second (or even third) time if you don’t understand the explanation you were offered. As with any other medical care, you and your dentist share in the responsibility to make decisions about your dental treatment decisions.

If you are dissatisfied with the dental services you receive or have a complaint about your dental care, you can certainly voice your concerns to the dentist, call your state or local dental association or contact your insurance office to resolve the matter. Remember, you could always select an alternate dentist for all your dental needs.

According to the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, “Taking care of your mouth, teeth and gums isn’t just a matter of good grooming. It can prevent infections, and maybe even diseases, throughout your body.” Taking responsibility for your dental health now can most certainly pay back huge dividends in your overall health, for the rest of your life.

Los Angeles dentistry comprises several different types of dental procedures; here are some of these…

General dentistry is all the standard dental health procedures, including check-ups & teeth cleanings, x-rays, fillings, root canals and similar dental procedures.

Cosmetic dentistry includes such aesthetic dental procedures as teeth whitening, braces, dental veneers, contouring and bonding, and dental implants — in short, procedures that make up a smile makeover.

Restorative dentistry covers treatment of gum diseases, dentures, crowns and bridges, TMJ (TemporoMandibular Joint — a disorder of the jaw joints or the muscles that control the joints), etc.