As a patient, you should always understand the risks, benefits and
alternatives to any treatment. You want
to make sure to receive the health care you need and deserve. Healthcare professionals
try to help you decided what is the best treatment for your special needs. It is important that you receive enough
information to make an informed decision. It is always a good plan to ask
questions during your office visits. Sometimes it is hard to know what exactly
to ask. To help you, I have put together some sample questions, particularly
with dentistry in mine.
What is the recommended
procedure?
Ask for a detailed description of the procedure, why it
is recommended, and what typically happens while it's performed. Ask how long
will the procedure take and the numbers visits necessary to complete
treatment. Some procedures take more
than one appointment, and you will be better able to plan your schedule. Having
this discussion will reduce the chance of surprise, and it may also bring to
mind other health issues that are important.
For example, if you were having a fixed dental bridge to replace a
missing tooth, you must know what a bridge is, why you need the bridge and its
advantages and disadvantages, as well as the alternatives to a bridge, such as
an implant or partial denture. Plus, you will want to know how to best take
care of your new bridge.
What are my options for
controlling discomfort?
Many people are surprised to learn that modern dentistry is
generally pain-free. There are a variety of methods available for avoiding
pain, discomfort, and anxiety. Some of these include nitrous oxide, headphones
and conscious sedation. Your comfort needs
are important questions for you to consider.
What results should I
expect from the procedure?
The answer will explain the benefits of the procedure. With
cosmetic dentistry you should have a smile design. Using models of your teeth and digital photos
of your smile, you will see how your teeth and mouth will look and
function.
What are the alternatives
to the procedure?
Depending on your oral health needs, a variety of solutions will
be offered. The best choice can depend
on a number of considerations, including the conditions in your mouth, your
time requirements, your financial situation, and your general heath. For
example:
• A missing tooth can often
be treated with an implant, a bridge, or a partial denture; whichever best fits
your situation.
• Early periodontal disease
can be treated with scaling and root planning, while a more advanced infection
may require medication or surgery.
• Discolored teeth can be
treated with whitening, but if you would also like to improve the alignment of
your teeth, you might prefer veneers, crowns, or a combination of bleaching and
braces.
• You also have the option
to do nothing and to know the outcome of that non-treatment choice.
What are the risks or
complications of the procedure?
Understanding the risks of treatment and also the risks of not
proceeding with the treatment are an important part of having an informed
consent. Considering the risks or complications of each treatment alternative
can help you decide on the best one for you.
All healthcare procedures have some risk. However, in dentistry
risks are exceedingly small. Dental training, professional standards, and the
state regulations are designed to insure patient safety. This is done through measures like wearing
masks and gloves to control infection, using a rubber dam or isolite to protect
a patient’s mouth and throat, prescribing antibiotics for some patients prior
to certain dental procedures, and finding out about a patient’s health history.
How soon should I have the
procedure?
Depending on the circumstances, some dental problems need
treatment right away. In others, treatment can be delayed for a short time. It
all depends on how advanced your condition is, your general health, and the
thoroughness of your homecare routine. I don't advise permanently putting off
dental treatment because problems in the mouth can become more serious,
requiring more extensive—and expensive—treatment and costing you more time and
money. Here are a couple of examples:
• If a tooth gets a cavity
that is left untreated, that cavity can infect the tooth’s nerve, leading to
root canal therapy. If the decay in the tooth’s nerve is left untreated, an abscess
can form around the tooth’s root, causing pain and eventually spread the
infection to other parts of the jaw and face.
• If the gums become
inflamed with untreated gingivitis, periodontal disease can develop. If this is
left untreated, the gum infection can eventually cause loose teeth. Most teeth that are lost are due to gum
disease.
You should feel comfortable about your health decisions and never
feel pressured into having a treatment that you do not feel is right for
you. It is important to keep the lines
of communication open with your health professional. And remember—there is no such thing as a
silly question!
ENJOY LIFE AND KEEP SMILING!
George A. Malkemus, DDS
Dentist in Rohnert Park
2 Padre Parkway Suite #200
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Phone: (707) 585-8595
MalkemusDDS.com
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