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Cosmetic Dentistry Patient Consultations: How to Proceed

Today the internet provides a wealth of resources for people interested in Cosmetic Dentistry.  You can research procedures and even email a cosmetic dentist directly.  However, it is important to recognize that this is only a prelude to an in-person consultation at the cosmetic dentist’s office.  Without meeting with him or her face to face, it is impossible to determine the type of results you can expect.  Every person is unique and one service does not fit all.  During your consultation you will learn if a procedure is right for you, the type of success you can expect, if other procedures may give you better results, the costs of your procedures, and available financing plans if needed.

In Office Dentist-Patient Consultations

The in-office consultation will be the most valuable research you can do.  The cosmetic dentist is not only evaluating your needs, but you get the opportunity to evaluate them. You want to be comfortable with the dentist you choose, so check out their bedside manner and determine if you would be comfortable with both the dentist and their staff.   Be sure to ask questions about their level of experience, complications they have seen with each procedure, and ask to see their Cosmetic Dentistry Before and After Photos of their previous patients.  There is no wrong question to ask, so come prepared with a list of your concerns so that you can make an informed decision.
Discuss Your Problem

Determining if a procedure will give you the results you are looking for is really your primary reason to visit.  The dentist will often hand you a mirror and ask you to point out exactly what you want to change.  All procedures have limitations, so the dentist will explain what can and sometimes cannot be done.  The more specific you are with the dentist, the better the outcome of your procedure.  If you still have questions after your initial meeting, the dentist should be more than willing to set up a second consultation for further discussion.

Your Medical History

It's extremely important to tell your dentist of any previous or current illnesses as well as previous surgeries that may affect the outcome of your procedure. It is unfortunately common for patients to neglect to reveal past cosmetic procedures.  Not only can this prevent a successful outcome, it can also greatly increase your risk of complications if the dentist is unaware of previous cosmetic alterations. Be sure to mention if you're presently taking any medications including non-prescription items such as herbal remedies or a daily aspirin regimen.  Many over the counter items can increase your risk of pro-longed bleeding and must be stopped several weeks prior to surgery. A common risk factor in any procedure is smoking.  Smoking destroys the small blood vessels in the body and hinders your ability for healing. If you are a smoker, be sure to discuss ways to decrease your risk.  Most likely the dentist will insist that you stop smoking several weeks prior to any procedure.

The Procedure Description

Ask to have the operative procedure explained to you in understandable terms.  You should also be told who will be in the room assisting him or her with your procedure.  If you are uncomfortable, ask to meet their dental assistant staff.  The types of questions you may want to ask are where the incisions will be made, the length and size of potential scarring, what type of sutures will be used (if any), the level of post-operative bruising and swelling that may occur, and how to care for your wounds in the days and weeks post surgery. Have the dentist provide you with a schedule of when you can expect to return to work, eat normal foods, and resume exercise.  Remember, the goal is to have no surprises, so have a realistic expectation of the both the immediate and final result of your procedure.

Risks and Complications

You want to be informed of all the possible risks and complications. While complications from cosmetic dental procedures are unusual, every procedure entails at least a small chance of complication. The dentist is obligated to tell you about the risks, how likely they are and what can be done to treat them if they do occur. A risk is something that the dentist will work to minimize, but cannot control no matter how diligent. Make sure you are comfortable with the level of risk associated with your procedure before making your decision.