Being told that you need extensive dental treatment can be big news to take in. However, it is important you understand what your priorities are and discuss this with your dental practitioner. Not all dental treatment needs to be completely immediately. As a leading team of dentists and oral health therapists, we want to make sure that you get the best advice and treatment plans, available in the Coburg area.
If you do need major dental work, there are a few things you may wish to plan for. In this guide, we will explore some of the main factors our patients often need to consider.
What is a Major Procedure?
Major dental procedures are those which will require extensive surgery or long dental appointments. For example, severe gum disease treatment (periodontitis) root canal surgery, restorative work such as bridgework and implants, and some cosmetic surgery may be considered significant.
Consider a Second Opinion
You may trust the opinion and diagnosis of your dentist and oral health therapist explicitly. However, you are entitled to seek a second or even third opinion from an alternative source. You may wish to do this if, for example, you are unsure about the course of action offered. There is no harm in getting a second opinion to help put your mind at rest.
Prepare Your Insurance Carrier
Your dentist and oral health therapist will inform you of the treatment you need, and how much it is going to cost. With this in mind, you can then prepare your health insurance carrier accordingly if you choose do so. This should be one of the first steps you take after being informed about surgery, as it is important to check if you are fully covered! Sometimes private health insurance may not be a better financial option.
Think About After-Care
Depending on the work that needs to take place, you are going to need time to recover. This will vary, of course, but how is your everyday life likely to be impacted after the event?
Will you need to adjust your eating habits? Will it affect your ability to work? You may even need to take time off to rest. Your dentist and oral health therapist will always discuss the optimal dental care pathway for you once you have agreed on a course of treatment. However, it is helpful if you plan as far ahead as you can.
Prepare for Treatment
You should, of course, consider advice from your dentist and oral health therapist before you head into surgery or long dental appointments. Will you need to take any time off work beforehand? Do you need to fast, or to prepare your teeth in any specific way?
Once again, all good dental practitioners will prepare you for the day of dental treatment. If you are unsure about what to expect, make sure you ask plenty of questions beforehand. Otherwise, again, you can seek second and/or third opinions, if you wish.
Don’t Be Afraid
Major dental surgery and treatment isn’t anything to be scared of. Many people share the same concerns with us! Talk through the procedure carefully with your dentist and oral health therapist so you can be clear on what to expect. As a leading dental team in Coburg, you can always call in for an appointment with our friendly and available team.
