Over the past few weeks, we have explored various topics around learning more about how to find the right dentist, how to maximize your insurance benefits, how to set goals for oral and dental wellness and a great smile, and other topics designed to give you some general knowledge about taking better care of your oral and dental health.

This week, we begin a series of articles on getting started on the road to a great smile and oral and dental wellness.  We will provide a road map on the various dental issues that affect many of us, and the various alternatives available to address these issues.

We'll presume that you have scanned the previous articles, and have found a dentist you wish to work with.  And, as we suggested in the previous article, we'll also presume that you have had an initial consultation and exam with the dentist.

What next?

Here is what you need to know:

Once you have found a dentist you like, and have had an exam, you should review the results of the treatment plan with the dentist and his/her staff, making sure to provide your own inputs into the plan.

For example, the dentist's exam will identify any issues with the current state of health of your teeth and gums (including any occurrence of signs of oral cancer or other medical issues).  As a starting point, the treatment plan may have simply a suggested calendar of follow up checkups to monitor a perfectly healthy mouth over time.  If there are dental issues, the treatment plan will note the issues, and you (the patient) will work with the office manager or coordinator to develop a schedule and budget to attend to the dental issues.  This might mean an appointment or appointments for any number of procedures.  At that time, you can also discuss if you wish to use pain-free and sedation procedures during treatment.

However, that should NOT be the extent of your treatment plan.  At this time, you can also discuss with your dentist and their staff any concerns you might have with the appearance of your teeth and smile.  Frequently, the dental office will have books or pictures of various smiles that can let you see what is possible as far as improvements are concerned.  This is the right time to examine these photos and discuss any concerns you may have--such as the brightness of your teeth, the alignment of teeth, or other issues such as grinding of teeth and/or sleep apnea.  These issues will probably be discussed during the exam when the dentist takes your history, but it is a good idea to follow up with questions to the dentist or his/her staff as you are reviewing your treatment plan.

With these issues, you can work with the dentist and his/her staff to augment the treatment plan with your inputs.  If you desire straighter teeth or any other improvement, the practice can provide you with information on alternative approaches so you can make an informed decision on the best approach for you.  Again, you will then work with the office manager or coordinator to develop a schedule and budget for completing all the procedures in your personalized treatment plan.  This plan will also insure that your dental insurance is utilized to provide you the maximum benefit.

Finally, do not be shy at this point in discussing any financial concerns you may have.  Your dentist and staff can work with you to make sure you get the care you deserve in a manner that you can afford.

Thus, harmed with a personalized treatment plan and budget, you can now go forward to taking the steps necessary to getting a great smile and achieving oral and dental wellness.

Next week, we’ll begin looking at some of the many dental procedures available to you.

Here's wishing the best of luck as you embark on your journey!

Have any suggestions for what you'd like to see us write about?  Place your comments and suggestions in the comments section.