1) Check Insurance Coverage and Pricing
Most cosmetic dental treatments are affordable. But why pay out of pocket when you can have your regular health insurance foot the bill? Most people don't check if these procedures are covered. Dental coverage is tricky; several complex procedures are either not covered or partially covered. You will be surprised how many cosmetic procedures are covered.
The first step in your treatment is to check on it. Most times, your dental clinic can advise on it. They deal with insurance companies often and know what procedures are payable by insurance.
However, your best bet is to call the insurance firm and ask directly. Before that, ask your dentist to share the procedure's details and any extra consumables. For example, veneers and aligners. Share this report with the company to get a realistic estimate.
2) Discuss Pre-existing Health Conditions
Think of cosmetic dental procedures as minor surgeries. Even though they take less time and heal fast, it's important to prepare for it. A crucial factor is your personal health. Your dentist will ask you about your general health and any underlying conditions that may complicate matters.
They may ask about recent surgeries, illnesses, or any medication you take. Answer these questions honestly. It will help the dentist decide on the correct date and the type of procedure to use to prevent complications.
Your dentist will also have you undergo a dental check-up. It may involve taking x-rays to check if your bone and gum health is suitable for the procedure. It is also recommended to consult your general physician before any dental work if you are under treatment for other ailments.
3) Ask for Before and After Pictures
Do your homework. Talk to the clinic or your dentist to get as much detail as possible about the procedure. Ask them for other cases similar to yours in Palo Alto and how they turned out. It's a good idea at this stage to ask your dentist for any pictures of different procedures they have performed in the past.
A few questions you can ask are:
- What were the success rates of earlier procedures?
- Were there cases where it took longer than expected for somebody?
- Can you show me pictures of this procedure for someone my age?
These queries will help you get a better feel for the procedure. A reputed dentist or clinic will be happy to answer your questions and share any pictures on file.
4) Discuss the Procedure and Timelines
Review all the details of the procedure before you commit. Each cosmetic dental procedure has its nuances. Some are straightforward, while others need more preparation from you and your dentist. For example, a teeth whitening session needs little to no preparation. In contrast, a teeth alignment procedure may have prerequisites. This could be x-rays, a mold of the jaw, or other protocols.
Check the time the whole procedure will take. Most procedures are short and take less than a few hours. Some can be done in one sitting, while others may need multiple visits to the dentist. Knowing these details can help you balance your work and personal life better. In some cases, our clinic can get you a slot on weekends if you cannot make it on weekdays for your treatment. Contact us for more details.
5) Pain Management and Healing
Some people are better at handling dental procedures than others. Many factors such as anxiety or fear of pain can induce stress. It's important to get all the details of the procedure. It will give you peace of mind and mentally prepare you for it.
Here are a couple of things you may want to ask your dentist:
- Will I feel pain after the anaesthetic wears off?
- What kind of medication will I be on to deal with any pain after the process?
- Are there any red flags that I should look for immediately after the procedure?
- Who should I call if there is excess pain or bleeding after returning home?
Most importantly, find out how long the healing process will take. This will help you plan any work downtime if you need to rest at home.
6) Dos and Donts Following a Procedure
Your dental clinic in Palo Alto will share a list of medications for pain and healing after the procedure. Some of these may be painkillers, while others could be antibiotics to fasten the recovery. They will also share a list of things to do and avoid in the days following the procedure.
The list typically includes food and drinks you can consume. It may also include restrictions on specific physical movements and activities in some cases. We advise you to follow these guidelines strictly. Not doing so can prolong the healing. You may also end up making extra visits to the dentist.
A few common tips include:
- Avoid extremely hot or cold drinks for a few days.
- Follow brush and floss instructions. Use a soft brush if it's painful.
- Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth for a few days if you feel sensitivity.
Blog | Bryant St Dental
