The state of New York is more than just a shopping district; it also is blessed with the presence of hospitals and medical facilities that attract numerous visitors and patients. Syracuse, in New York, is not an exemption from such, as it, too, has many dental clinics that promise excellent and quality service. Before you spend time, money and effort to head to Syracuse to see a dentist, here are some questions that you should first ask via phone call, email or a social media account:
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What are your licenses, certifications, and other qualifications?
Before you entrust your dental care to any dentist, and before you even spend the time to go to Syracuse, if you live far away, always make sure that you first ask about the following most crucial items:
- Degree or diploma in the field of Dentistry
- Other qualifications and specializations
- License as a dentist and permits to operate
- Board certifications
Asking about the list mentioned above will give you a higher assurance that you are indeed putting your dental care in the hands of an expert, qualified, and licensed dentist, like Dr. Dimento DMD.
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What is your usual price range for the common dental procedures needed?
Another factor that you should consider before visiting your dentist is to ask about the price. You can ask about the price via phone call or by leaving a message. Whether it is merely for a routine visit for oral cleaning, or if it is for a more complicated procedure that you’ve been recommended to have in Syracuse, asking about the price is crucial. You wouldn’t want to spend time and effort in going all the way to Syracuse and later on finding out that the procedure is too expensive, or the rates are high.
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Are you connected with any healthcare or insurance providers?
In some insurance companies and depending on the type of medical and health insurance that you purchase, dental care may be a part of it. This makes it then necessary for you to first ask your dentist in Syracuse if they have connections with the healthcare or insurance provider that you have. When you have already paid for a medical premium that includes dental care, then you should make the most out of using this by connecting with an affiliated dentist.
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May I see feedback and recommendation from past patients?
Asking about feedback, recommendations and even before-and-after photos of previous patients is something that you shouldn’t take for granted. If you are visiting a dentist in Syracuse only for routine checks or minor concerns, then asking about feedback and recommendations is sufficient. You can ask about this through a website or an email that the dentist can supply you with. However, if you are going for a more expensive procedure, it is to your advantage as well to ask for before-and-after photos. Examples of these procedures are:
- Using braces, retainers, Invisalign, and the like
- Root canal procedure
- Teeth alignment
When you ask about these matters, you can filter out the many options of dentists in Syracuse, and find the one that you are most comfortable with giving your trust.
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How often should I visit?
The American Dental Association recommends that individuals should be conscious about visiting their dentist at least once or twice a year. However, this figure can also vary greatly depending upon the current situation of your oral health. Before you head down to Syracuse, the dentist that you are communicating with will most likely ask you for the following:
- A brief background about your dental situation
- An email containing x-rays and the like, for more pressing concerns
It is from here that your dentist can also give you feedback as to how often you should go to their clinic in Syracuse for a visit.
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How can I improve my dental health at home?
If it would take a few more months before you can go to Syracuse for your dental visit, it will be prudent on your part to also ask about how you can improve your dental health even while you are at home. For example:
- How often should I floss my teeth?
- Are there other things I should do other than brushing three times a day?
- Do I need to use mouthwash?
- Am I using the right toothbrush and toothpaste?
It is crucial that you ask about these, too, even before you visit your dentist, as good oral care is not only dependent on the work that your dentist does. Good oral care starts at home.
Conclusion
Remember that your dental health is just as important as any other aspect of your body’s physical health. The more questions that you ask before your first meeting, will give you a more hands-on role in making sure that you get the best care for your teeth that you deserve. Hence, be prudent enough about asking these points even via the phone or email, before you even first meet each other. When it comes to your health, you should leave little to no room at all for risks and errors.
