Healthy teeth and gums are essential components of self-care and bodily health. A beautiful smile will make you happy and confident. Regular dental visits are important to maintain dental health and hygiene. You might need a few treatments or procedures along the way to fulfill this task.
However, you might feel a little fearful and apprehensive before starting any treatment. To make you less anxious and prepare you for the procedure, we have listed six things you should know before getting any dental treatment.
- Check Variable Treatment Options
Before deciding on any treatment option, make sure to ask your dentist about all available treatment modalities. Know about the risk and benefits of all available remedies. If you are afraid of needles and blood, inquire more about conservative approaches to treating the problem. An invasive procedure should only be done when absolutely required.
Your decision should be based on various factors. Make an informed decision depending on your personal, professional, and social life. Some dental procedures are followed by severe pain, which might require rest for a few days. It can count as missed days at work and time off from family responsibilities.
- Know The Cost Of Treatment
Healthcare can be costly. Medical and dental treatments are incredibly expensive and can easily break the bank. It can become an even bigger problem if you do not have health insurance. If you have insurance coverage, check if the clinic accepts your plan and covers the treatment cost. This can massively save your out-of-pocket costs.
The current dental insurance policies cover a significant portion of the entire treatment cost for dental procedures in a year. However, the guidelines for orthodontic procedures under insurance may vary. It may vary further depending on your state or region. For example, permanent retainer costs in NC and insurance coverage may differ from tooth extractions in another area. In such cases, know about your dental clinic’s policies for payment plans. Most clinics take an advance upfront payment followed by monthly or quarterly down payments depending on the length of treatment. They may offer family or holiday discounts. Inquire if the treatment cost is for the procedure alone or if it covers diagnostics, e.g., x-rays and consultations. Look for high-quality, affordable treatment options that don’t strain your finances.
- Prepare For The Procedure
Once you have chosen your desired dental procedure, sit down with your dentist to learn more about it. Inquire about pre-treatment preparation. Some procedures require anesthesia and would hence need you to go on an empty stomach. Ask about the duration for which you are not required to eat or drink anything before the procedure starts. Know about the length of the process. The majority of dental treatments are done in daycare and do not require hospital admission or stay. Take any family or friend to accompany you to the clinic on the day of treatment. Check out the infection control policy and quality control practices of the clinic. This will help you decrease pre-procedure anxiety.
Make sure all the information you provide to your physician is correct. Share thorough medical history. Inform your dentist if you have a history of easy bleeding or any medicinal allergies. Be honest about your alcohol consumption, as it might interfere with the anesthesia induction. Take care of your dental hygiene before treatment. Ensure to brush your teeth and floss before going to the dental clinic.
- Recovery Time
Once you have gotten the procedure, the duration of recovery might vary. It depends from person to person and procedure to procedure. Know how long it would take for you to recover completely. The average recovery time for dental treatment varies from 2 to 3 days. If the procedure is invasive, the healing time may be longer. It’s normal to feel pain, pressure and bleeding. Don’t feel too anxious. Your dentist will inform you all about it and what to expect.
Be sure to inform your workplace or school before receiving the treatment about the length of time you will be away for recovery. Take time off and apply for sick leaves. If you have family and kids to take care of, make sure to have a conversation with them. Let them know that you won’t be available for them while recovering. It’s crucial that during recovery time, you should focus entirely on healing and getting healthy quickly.
- Post-Procedure Precautions
After a procedure, you might not be allowed to eat or drink anything as there is a chance of bleeding or dislocation. In all cases, follow your doctor’s instructions in detail. You must stay away from hot and spicy meals immediately after the procedure. Most dentists advise eating ice cream as a first meal post-procedure. This helps control the pain and speeds up the recovery. You will probably be kept on a soft diet for a few weeks. Ask your dentist what kind and consistency of food you can consume.
You will also be instructed to clean the treatment site and use anti-microbial mouthwash. Additionally, avoid aggressive brushing as it might initiate bleeding. Keep away from any contact sport or strenuous activity for the first few days.
- Follow-Up Visits
Most dental procedures, for example, braces or aligners, require a long-term commitment. For such treatments, you might require monthly or fortnightly visits for one to two years. To make your treatment successful, you must never miss your follow-up visits. Talk with your dentist about the follow-up visitation schedule before the treatment starts. Only start the treatment when you are entirely sure.
These follow-up visits are vital to review and track your progress, check the condition of your gums and teeth, perform necessary adjustments, counseling, and any other emergency procedures that might be required to aid in your treatment.
Conclusion
Be sure to follow all these tips before starting your dental treatment. These points will help you reduce any anxiety and prepare you beforehand. Remember, there are no shortcuts here. Ask questions from your dentist and evaluate thoroughly before making any decision. Go on time on your treatment day for paperwork and pre-procedure requirements.
Photo by Anna Shvets