This is a time where information is readily available. How does a patient find the correct dental treatment for them? To seek options, and communicate you must have some knowledge to your questions. What is Zirconia, Silver Diamine Fluoride, Duraflex CAD, CBCT, LAPIP? These are just some of the high-tech treatment modalities available to today’s dental patients. Could they help you?

The two major resources available for information are the internet (Google, Bing, etc.) and your local dentists.

To get the answers to your questions you need to be prepared before you go to the dentist. The internet is an informative place to start your search for dental knowledge.

One major resource available is www.ada.org. This is the website of the American Dental Association (ADA) funded and supported by their dues paying membership from dentists throughout the country. This professional association of dentists is committed to the public’s oral health, ethics, science and professional advancement. Local ADA dentists belong to the Anne Arundel County Dental Society and the Maryland State Dental Association.

The ADA website has a patient section with searches to research most dental procedures, health issues and new technologies at your computer mouse click. Topics include A to Z public topics, careers in dentistry, tips to finding a dentist, how to find ADA member dentists, education videos and more.
Proper communication produces the best outcomes. You should do your research before you schedule a consultation with a general dentist or dental specialist to treat your dental problems, make-over your smile or to retain your present healthy teeth.

Come prepared to your dental appointment. Bring referral slips and dental records. Have your most recent x-rays been Emailed to the consulting dentist’s office? Be prepared to fill out a medical and dental history form. Bring a written list of your current medical doctors and medicines you are taking. Get to the office early to give yourself plenty of time to fill out all forms. No reason to feel rushed. Write down and bring a list of questions you have about dental treatment options, technologies, the time table of care, etc. You need to be an active partner in your health care.

New dental techniques and technologies are replacing traditional and conventional therapies. Successful results in dentistry are possible using different methods. What can today’s dentistry do for you and your family?