Often when I meet patients, they say things like “I was told I need __________ but I’m not sure what that means, so I haven’t done anything about it.” Sometimes they say a procedure sounds scary, sometimes they worry that it will be uncomfortable. The amount of time required is often a concern, and of course finances are always a consideration.

What bothers me is that if these questions aren’t answered, and the patient doesn’t get needed treatment, problems get bigger!

Most patients find that a complete understanding of their situation takes the “scary” out of dental treatment. It is important not only to understand how treatment is accomplished, but any alternative treatments that may be available. And what happens if you do no treatment at all?

Ask your dentist or his team about anything that they haven’t made perfectly clear. Questions like: How? Why? When? How much? What if?

As your understanding level goes up, so does your comfort level! Both are very important! So JUST ASK!