When we visit the dentist, we expect him or her to be able to work on our dental problem, yet prior to carrying out any treatment, the dentist needs to know quite a few things. You might, for example, have an allergy and if the dentist knows this, they can avoid using anything you are allergic to, and with some background knowledge, the dentist can make an accurate diagnosis. Here are a few things the dentist will want to know about before treatment begins.
Allergies
If you are allergic to any substances, you should inform your dentist, in fact, the dentist will always ask a series of questions prior to beginning the treatment, as this gives him a clearer picture of the situation. If you have an allergy to a specific anaesthetic, this should be made known to your dentist, as it might be necessary to administer a local anaesthetic.
Previous Dental Treatment
If you are visiting your regular dentist, he or she would have records of your dental history, yet if you are on holiday and have a dental issue, it would be a good idea to tell the dentist if you have recently had any dental treatment. If you are seeing a dentist in Noosa like Tewantin Dental Centre, they would ask about your dental history and this would help the dentist with their diagnosis and treatment recommendation.
General Health
If you have a cold, for example, it would be wise to mention this, or if you are experiencing any discomfort, it is wise to let the dentist know. Of course, a lot depends on the treatment you are having, and whether or not you will need anaesthetic, and the treatment will define the questions the dentist will ask. Your dentist will make an evaluation of your health status, which would include asking a few questions. General health is essential and there are informative articles that outline many aspects of maintaining good general health.
Medication
If you are currently on any medication, regardless of what it is, you should inform the dentist as a matter of course. He or she would likely ask this question, as there are many risks involved when administering anaesthetic, so the dentist needs to know if you are on any medication. In the event a general anaesthetic is to be used, the dentist would have an anaesthetist who would have their own set of criteria for preparing a patient.
Describing the Treatment
A dentist will always inform the patient about the treatment in order to put the patient at ease, and indeed, you should always ask if you are unsure what the treatment involves. Once the dentist has made their recommendation, they will explain why it is the best option, while describing the process fully.
If you are soon to have dental treatment, be prepared for a few questions and if there is anything you think the dentist should know, it is best to tell them. The dentist will inform you if there are treatment options, and with your best interests at heart, will always make sure that you are comfortable with the treatment.