aaah...What I wouldn't do to chew nuts again!!! ( Part I)

If we had a penny for every time a patient said something like that - We could close down the clinic and retire early :)

We wax eloquent about aesthetics and smiles and cosmetic dentistry but the fact of the matter is - that - most patients just want to be able to eat. Eat their favorite foods comfortably. Without worry and without pain.

For the majority of our lifetimes we take our dental health( or the lack of it) for granted. We avoid dentists like the plague and treat dental clinics like abattoirs. You enter only if there is absolutely no way out of the so called torture.

All of this works out quite well for a reasonable amount of time - but sooner or later you start paying the price. Losing teeth - sometimes at an alarming rate. A period of time goes by and your diet switches to softer and softer foods till a time arrives where you may be surviving on little more than bread and milk.

You may have one tooth missing or all.

You may or may not be having removable dentures.

The dentures don't really help. You still can't enjoy your favorite foods.



This is when the craving starts. 'Ah to sink my teeth into an apple again' or 'those nuts look ever so tempting' or 'chicken.....hmmmmm'.

We understand.

And the good news is - YOU CAN. If at least now you take the trouble to visit a dentist.

Dental Implants  have changed the lives of several patients with missing or no teeth.

Fixed teeth are possible. At almost all ages. In almost all patients ( unless you have a severe systemic disease). For almost all teeth. You may need just one fixed tooth or you may need 28 - YOU CAN HAVE THEM.

If you were brave enough to have undergone the procedure of a tooth removal ( extraction) then you are brave enough to undergo a dental implant surgery. The anesthesia is the same. The length of the procedure is just a little bit more. The post operative precautions are almost the same. You walk in - get the procedure done - walk out. No hospital admission. No scary stuff.



www.aryasdentalclinic.com

Bad breath - the worst PR manager!!

Have you tried in vain to keep a straight face while your Boss is 'killing you softly' with his breath which smells of rotten eggs?

Or you have decided to go without kissing your spouse rather than rock the marital boat by telling him/her that they smell like a chemical experiment gone terribly wrong ?

Have you been at the receiving end or worse still - are you the perpetrator of the crime ?



Frankly - it may not be your fault at all.  You probably haven't had the opportunity to be educated about the possibilities of treatment. Bad breath is a condition just like any other disease - its cause requires to be diagnosed properly and treated accordingly.

People's perception of bad breath have made mouthwash and chewing gum companies - multi multi billionaires!!!  Even toothpaste companies advertisements focus on propagating the 'fresh breath' aspect rather than the clean teeth bit! Unfortunately - most mouthwashes and mints are only cosmetic and not therapeutic. Simply put - they will only mask your bad odor and not eliminate the cause. Since they are only masking the odor - they act much like the foundation and cosmetics on skin - it only masks the blemishes underneath and does not get rid of them.

So what really causes bad mouth odor???

The causes are divided between those to be found in the mouth and those that are extra oral.

The intra Oral causes are:

1. poor oral hygiene
2. Deposits on the teeth
3. Deep cavities in your teeth which act as a food trap
4. Coated tongues ( when you do not clean your tongue everyday)
5. Gum disease
6. Dry mouth 
7. Dentures

The causes of bad odor that is extra oral ( rest of the body) are:

1. Throat infections and colds
2. Sinusitis/tonsillitis
3. Lung diseases
4. Some liver and kidney diseases
5. diabetes
6. A few other systemic conditions


The above are just some of the causes. There are more. Almost all of the causes within the mouth can be treated and most of those outside the mouth too.

Sometimes all you will require is a professional tooth cleaning ( scaling), correct toothbrushing technique demonstration and a nudge to take better care of your dental health. Do you think it makes sense to suffer a lifetime of self consciousness just because you are scared/ashamed or hesitant to get professional help from a dentist ?

And even if you need more treatment than the above because the cause is more complicated - wouldn't you want to know?

Bad breath is a deal breaker. Why keep it so close to you at the cost of you losing potential relationships, being made fun of by friends,  or maybe even be passed up for a promotion?

Bad Breath is much like body odor - it is an instant turn off. So instead - you can turn bad breath off. 

Find the cause and eliminate it. And maybe then - like those ads on TV - you could make a heart on the fresh breath that you blow onto a glass window when you see the love of your life :) 


www.aryasdentalclinic.com

Mouth Ulcers - the recurrent pain in the.....well...mouth ;)

Mouth ulcers are known by many names including apthous ulcers and canker sores.

Mouth ulcers can be uncomfortable at best and excruciatingly painful when they really decide to work up.

Clinically aphthous ulcers can be divided into two general categories:

• Minor aphthae, which comprise over 80% of reported cases, are small (<1.0 cm), usually solitary, exquisitely painful, shallow ulcers and heal without scarring in 7-10 days.
• Major aphthae, which account for less than 10% of reported cases, are bigger, deeper, and heal with scar formation over a period of 2-3 weeks.

They are the result of several factors including - stress, nutritional deficiencies, acidity and genetic predispositions.

Other Common factors include:

• Injuries from any food, cheek biting, sharp- edged teeth, dentures, etc. 
• Burns: either from certain foodstuff or chemicals
• Drugs - Pain killers/antibiotics 
• Inadvertent lip/cheek biting

For recurrent sufferers - they are a kill joy. You can't enjoy spicy food - sometimes it is so bad you cannot enjoy ANY food. Huge painful ulcers interfere with speech. 
If you try to wait it out - it will take approx 7-10 days (if not more)to heal. 

So what is the cure for a mouth ulcer? and is there one? 

The bad news is that for those with a predisposition to recurrent ulcers - there is no cure. They will keep coming back no matter what you do. 
The good news is - that you don't have to suffer the full 7-10 days that it normally takes for an ulcer to heal.
Previously all we could offer patients was a oral gel that could be applied to anesthetize the area, thereby causing relief from the pain. The initial application stings but then numbs the area for a while allowing you to eat and drink. However the relief lasted for very short periods, necessitating frequent applications. Moreover the gels were only symptomatic treatment with no effect on the actual duration of healing. 
LASERS have revolutionized the treatment of ulcers. With a good soft tissue LASER - a couple of 5 min sittings is all that is needed to substantially reduce pain AND shorten the healing period. 

The procedure is simple: 
1. A topical gel is applied on the ulcer ( No need of an injection at all) - 10 sec
2. The LASER light is moved over the ulcer at a specific wattage for biostimulation ( to activate the healing cells) - ( 2min)
3. The last step involves light banding of the edges of the ulcers ( 30 sec)
In approx 3 min - you will experience reduction of pain and will be ready to go home. 
The same three steps are repeated on the next day.
For a small ulcer - you may not even require the second sitting. 

Those who have experienced a truly painful mouth ulcer can understand the value of reducing the healing period from 7-10 days to a mere 2 -3 days. And all it involves is five min of a very simple and pain free procedure!
Do not let a simple mouth ulcer get in the way of you enjoying good food and great company. 
Zap it and rid yourself of it. :)
www.aryasdentalclinic.com

Live a stress free life for healthy teeth and gums

Life is stressful. Period.

At least the one we currently live in. All of us have some degree of stress or the other. Maybe not yoga gurus and infants but the rest of us most definitely. Even children today - with their increasing work loads and burgeoning school bags are candidates for stress. 

Don't think you are under any kind of stress?  well...lets see.....Have you driven your car in rush hour traffic, late for work and an idiotic cyclist comes straight into the path of your vehicle seemingly on a suicide mission, leaving you braking dramatically and exploring your vocabulary of choicest abuses? Have you taken out a big loan for the new house and the EMIs are cruelly astronomical? Are you the parents of teenage children? Are you working on a project whose deadline is already upon you or maybe even past you? 

If you answered yes to any of the above or have faced similar situations - you are under stress. Of some degree or the other.

In dentistry stress translates to a number of dental problems. Bruxism being the foremost among them. Our previous post on Bruxism - " Do you grind you teeth?" should be able to tell you all you need to know. 

But that is one among many problems - mouth ulcers (recurrent and painful), changes in your cheek mucosa ( the lining of your cheek inside your mouth), joint pain, necrotizing gingivitis and various other conditions can also occur.

Minimizing a stressful life goes a long way in averting more than one problem. It surely will not be easy but letting go of some things instead of trying to do it all is one step in the right direction. Taking time to smell the flowers seems like such a cliche but it was a wise person indeed who first suggested it. 

Take time to unwind, delegate work and forget about things which are not in your control.

Finally get regular health and dental check ups - why add the additional stress of finding out late that you had a problem which could have been easily corrected had you discovered it earlier? 

www.aryasdentalclinic.com

Do you Grind your teeth?

A lot of people grind their teeth...not just in anger or frustration....but a pathological continous grinding that occurs mostly during the night while they are asleep....This is a condition known as Bruxism...and people who suffer from bruxism are called bruxers.


Most bruxers dont even know that they are bruxers. When asked if they grind their teeth they will in all probability answer in the negative. The only people who would know ( if at all) would be the person who sleeps next to them...the spouse perhaps... and that too only if they are light sleepers. If the spouse is easily awakened then many a time they are aware that a funny irritating clicking grinding sound is coming from the wife/husband at night. 


Most people ignore this and even if told that they probably are bruxers they feel ' " Big deal...so I grind my teeth. What's that got to do with anything?" 


Actually - a lot. 


The signs of trouble may take a while in coming but come they will. Almost certainly. Unless your teeth and jaws are made of iron which they aren't. Maybe if you were a terminator but not otherwise. 


Given a sufficient period of time without correct intervention you could end up with:

• worn down teeth
• chipped teeth
• fractured teeth
• sensitivity with your teeth
• pain in the jaws/joints
• muscular pain in your cheeks 

Case 1: Your teeth may end up looking like this if the condition is severe...

What's more even if you get restorations done and do not attempt to correct the original problem - the bruxism will even wear down restorations/crowns/bridges as can be seen in the next case. 

Case 2: The Patient has worn down all the restorations in his mouth

Lots of factors are responsible for the beginning of bruxism:

• High stress levels
• sleep disorders
• any kind of teeth maloccusion where teeth do not meet in harmony
• use of certain drugs

These and many other factors may be causing or aggravating the condition. 

Bruxism is not completely understood. Neither is its treatment totally straightforward. What is definite though that the teeth and the jaws need to be protected from further trauma. It is not enough to just restore the broken, chipped teeth.

All patients of bruxism must wear nightguards/mouthguards. These are basically acrylic forms that are specific to each patient's dentition. The patient simple has to slip it on while sleeping at night. There is no pain involved and no complicated wearing procedure. This simple treatment protects the teeth from wear and tear throughout the night. 

Mouthguard 

Besides the mouthguard, the doctor will recommend some restorations if necessary. But a change in lifestyle and decreasing stress levels will certainly help.

Above all things, I must not get angry. If I do get angry I knock all the teeth out of the mouth of the poor wretch who has angered me. 

Franz Schubert 

Find out what is causing your stress and get rid of it. Of course not all reasons for stress can be gotten rid of. Your wife and her latest credit card bill is one of them :)

Do not ignore your dental problems. They don't go away. They get worse. 

You have a bigger role in curing yourself than you Imagine!

Healing is an extraordinary process. There is no doubt that HEALING is a complex and spectacular event. It involves millions of cells, molecules, chemicals and processes. 


But healing is more than just that. Healing involves more than events that can be explained by plain science. Healing involves a process perhaps more vague than can be explained by medicine. 

Health and healing are about more than the eradication of disease. Health is related to wholeness and holy--knowing who we are and how we are connected with the world around us. ~ Larry Dossey

I believe there is more to the role of the patient than is popularly advertised. More than just compliance with taking drugs and following instructions. I think there should be a willingness to be healed. A desire to be healed. A belief that he/she can be healed.


All kinds of people walk into the clinic. Positive people, negative people, people who don't care at all, people who care way too much....... everyone of them reacts differently to procedures..to experiences. All of them have different pain thresholds. But it isn't how they react during treatment so much as after it, that we believe influences their outcome.

A lot of people say they want to get out of pain, and I'm sure that's true, but they aren't willing to make healing a high priority. They aren't willing to look inside to see the source of their pain in order to deal with it. 

Lindsay Wagner 

There are some people so determined to make everything work for them that sometimes even a situation less than ideal - works spectacularly well in their favor. Then there are the people who just believe in Murphy's law to the extent that even if everything goes right for them - they'd keep anticipating something bad. 


The result? A perfect procedure...perfect execution and yet - an ache here...a niggling discomfort there..constantly dogging them. 


This is not to say that everybody who doesn't believe in blue skies and rainbows will have things go wrong for them in the dental office. It is just that we believe that Trust in the doctor and belief in a higher healing power helps to round off rough edges.

“Healing takes courage, and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it.”

And how to trust your doctor? Well the fact that you have come to him/her after having at least 400 other options available is evidence of the fact that somewhere on some level the trust has begun. The fact that after getting a procedure done once - you return to the same doctor is another step in the same direction. Then don't stop that process in the nascent stage. Let it grow. Let it reassure you. 


If your instincts are telling you otherwise - turn and run. If not - Trust that Trust and let it heal you. 




oh and that saying - " Everything heals with time"  - well - It applies to dentistry too. :)




www.aryasdentalcare.com

Happy People make for Beautiful People and Beautiful Smiles

“As you think, so shall you become.”

There is something to be said about happy people. They always look beautiful. They may have imperfect complexion, flawed bone structure and less then spectacular smiles and yet they make you want to look at them again. And again. 


Maybe they appeal to something deep down inside you. With their childlike excitement and positiveness surrounding them they make us want to believe that there is hope. All the time. Everywhere. 


This is such a rare thing today with the news channels playing morbid artists painting dreary pictures all the time and people all around playing reluctant muses.


People who can absorb all this negativity and still come out smiling are such a rarity that is amazing to be in their presence. They make themselves beautiful just by being who they are. 


Now if only we could find a 'happy drug' - we would put it in a little goodie bag for all our patients!!! :)


www.aryasdentalcare.com

We can never get enough of white sparkling teeth

Everybody wants whiter teeth. We haven't met one person in my entire life who said - " I want my teeth a little yellower or darker. I find them too white". And we don't believe we ever will.

Skin color on the other hand is different. There are lots of people who want fairer skin but there are an equal number who actually love tanned skin. That's why fairness creams do as well as tanning parlors and vice versa.

But teeth - ah teeth - we all want them white. Maybe because white is associated with clean - and white teeth means clean teeth!! That is one theory.

So what do we do if we are not one of the lucky ones? The ones with the shiny white teeth who flash them at every given opportunity and make the rest of us who are not similarly blessed, feel so miserable?? Do we resign ourselves to a lifetime of sad yellow teeth that we try to keep hidden forever through tiny smiles and controlled laughter?

We'd say one big emphatic - "NO".  Change it. Make them the way you want them to be.

How?

First we need to find out whats the cause of the yellowness or the dark color.

Is it merely a case of superficial stains and food lodgement?

Is it a case of intrinsic stubborn stains?

or is it a severe case of tetracycline stains or dental fluorosis?

There is a cure for all. All you need is a dentist who will correctly diagnose the problem.

If your teeth's natural white color is hidden beneath layers of tartar and stains accumulated over years of inadequate brushing - all you will need to unveil your pearly whites is a thorough scaling and polishing. Just one sitting will be enough on most occasions. After removal of the plaque, tartar and stains - your teeth should look as good as new.

However certain stains are intrinsic. This means that they will not come off with scling. If these stains are lighter the treatment would involve scaling followed by teeth bleaching. This line of treatment would result in a tooth shade 3 times lighter than the shade you began with, which would mean significant whitening.

And finally if the dentist should judge your teeth to be beyond the scope of scaling or bleaching as can be in the case of severe dental fluorosis or tetracyline teeth staining - then porcelain veneers could be your answer!!! Read more about porcelain veneers at rid yourself of spaces....


A smile is an incredible thing. It breaks barriers..forges friendships... begins relationships... nurtures some and more.... be confident about your smile. Its worth every trouble and every expense in the world!

Tiger sightings, Royal meals and Incredible luck

Our previous post was all about tigers and dental treatment - combined. Not exactly together but if you are still confused - read "Dental tourism and the tiger capital of the world". 

Anyway, so to prove to ourselves that Nagpur could indeed deserve the title - Tiger capital - we undertook a little tiger sighting expedition on our day off. And guess what ? Not only we spotted the king of the Jungle - we spotted his queen with her four cubs. How's that for a royal get together ? And to make things all the more interesting - the cubs and the mother were right in the middle of a royal meal. As we watched the cubs tear the hapless deer into little bits, we couldn't help but be amazed at our stroke of good luck.

And yes...we did think about how spectacularly strong their teeth must be. Well we are dentists after all!!! We can't help it.

But most of all we just soaked in Nature in all her glory. The sweltering heat of the city left far behind, we just relaxed in the cool embrace of the forest and her generous hospitality.

The final thought in our mind as we left the forest unwillingly on our way back home was -" We are definitely coming back'. 

Because as a saying by Logan Pearsall Smith  goes - 

'What humbugs we are, who pretend to live for Beauty, and never see the Dawn.'

Dental Tourism and the Tiger capital of the world

Over several holidays/educational trips and the like over several years - we have come to one very simple conclusion. Dental treatment in select clinics in India now is at par with the globally accepted standard of care. Moreover - its cheaper and how! Its no wonder then that India is the hot new hub of dental tourism.

On an average an implant procedure costing around 3000-5000 USD in the USA could potentially be had at around 700-1000 USD in India. That is approximately at one third or less. So imagine if you have 3-8 implants to be placed in your jaw. You could potentially save around 10000 USD minimum. This stands true not only for dental implants but for most other dental treatment procedures including root canal treatment, cosmetic procedures like veneers, bleaching and others. 

So what would you do with the extra cash? You could use the money for a return air ticket to your place of interest in India, holiday, travel around the country, live in luxury hotels AND get your dental treatment done and still have money to spare for those new jeans you have been thinking of buying. 

Located in the city of Nagpur, we'd imagine all wildlife/tiger fans making a beeline for what is being touted as the 'Tiger capital of the world' or 'Gateway to Tigerland'. Among the many sanctuaries close to Nagpur are the Pench National Park, Tadoba National Park, Kanha National Park and a little further off Bandhavgarh National Park. The closest airport to most of these parks is Nagpur. There are 1411 tigers in India at last count with most of that number located in central India accessible from Nagpur. 

Nagpur, being just over an hour away from Mumbai/New Delhi by air, is easy to reach. Being less expensive than either Mumbai/New Delhi or any other touristy place, Nagpur means that your dollar/euro can stretch much further travelling and treatment wise. 

However a fair word of warning, ensure that you contact your Indian doctor/dentist by email before venturing to book anything. Do your research, plan well ahead, speak to the doctor and then go ahead. 

A good dentist does not mean 100 testimonials on their website or constant advertisements on Google ( though this is not an indication of a bad one either :)) Call the dentist or email him/her. Make sure you get the facts of your condition across and hear the complete treatment plan. Trust your instincts. But reserve your judgement till you have all the facts out in the open. 

If you still like what you hear and see - Welcome to India and maybe even Nagpur for a happy holiday and a better smile. 

www.aryasdentalcare.com

Wisdom and your teeth

Wisdom teeth really have nothing to do with wisdom other than the fact that they erupt in your mouth about the time wisdom is supposed to put in an appearance in your life.i.e.about 18 years

Of course we all know the likelihood of wisdom appearing that early in our lives :) At 18 these days - we are just about ready to begin to make out mistakes...forget about learning how to rectify them or avoid them.

So back to teeth - These so called wisdom teeth - are just like the rest of your teeth. The only thing different is time when they come out of the closet(bone) - 17-25 years as opposed to all the other teeth which have finished appearing by the age of 13-14.

Why do wisdom teeth give so much trouble?

The theory goes that with each passing generation and as part of evolution in response to the kind of food we eat etc - our jaw sizes are reducing. However our teeth have remained unchanged with time. Result - less space in the jaw to accommodate the full complement of teeth.

So what we are left with - is one or two or all four wisdom teeth stuck in the jaw for all eternity. No matter what we try - they are never going to erupt into the mouth - simply because there is ABSOLUTELY no space. Its much like fitting a huge cupboard into a tiny room - it isn't even going to get past the doorway. Sometimes it could be the case of trying to get the cupboard in horizontally instead of vertically. In case of the tooth we cannot rotate it to enter the mouth in the right direction.

So now what?

If it isn't giving you any trouble - and it is not causing any trouble - then the  thing to do is - LET SLEEPING DOGS LIE. If it begins to pain or you are having regular episodes of discomfort - you need to have it checked.

What is the treatment?

First things first - the dentist will probably want to see an x-ray of the tooth. In all probability you may have to take an OPG ( which is basically an xray of all the teeth together)

 If the tooth looks like it can erupt naturally - the dentist will aid in its eruption by cutting the gum tissue which is covering it and preventing it from coming out.

However if the position of the tooth looks as if its not going to ever erupt in a normal position or if the tooth is impinging on the tooth in front of it and damaging it the dentist will ask you to go in for a Disimpaction procedure.

Most people hear extraction surgery and want to jump off their chairs and run miles and never come back. I don't blame them :) It does sound scary.

But the truth is - it no longer is as inconvenient or painful. We won't lie - dental procedures will never really be pleasant. But they aren't torture anymore either.

All that is involved is a tiny injection ( that too with topical anesthetic applied first so as to minimize the pain of the prick of the needle), a little pressure and a couple of stitches.

What can you expect after the surgery?

1. a little swelling ( minimal if you apply ice after the procedure)
2. a little decrease in mouth opening ( for a few days)
3. little or no pain ( because you will be taking painkillers). Very rarely will there be severe pain ( only in cases of dry socket)
4. A WHOLE LOT OF RELIEF THAT THE IRRITATING SILLY TOOTH IS OUT.


Maybe - just maybe - its called a wisdom tooth - because there is a whole lot of wisdom in removing it rather than bearing the pain of having it in your mouth.


www.aryasdentalcare.com

How to Choose your dentist?

I never cease to wonder when I see people talking about their doctors/dentists. Conversations often run like this -






Scenario 1:
Patient 1: hey... I need to see a skin doctor....you know anyone?
P2: yeah... but whats the problem? rashes? why don't you apply so and so cream? Its miraculous....
P1: Oh I tried that...didn't work...
P2: alright then ... there is this doctor practicing at xyz...he's good....
P1: yes...i have heard of him too.... but I want someone closer to my home in abc area... 






Scenario 2:

Patient 1: hey... I need to see a skin doctor....you know anyone?

P2: yeah... but whats the problem? rashes? why don't you apply so and so cream? Its miraculous....

P1: Oh I tried that...didn't work...

P2: alright then ... there is this doctor practising at xyz...he's good....

P1: yes...I have heard good things of him too.... but he's expensive.... Know someone cheaper??..

It is always interesting the factors that people consider - convenience, cost and recommendations. The latter is fine by me - and to an extent maybe even the cost.... but convenience?




Why'd you risk your health/smile with someone just because he/she set up clinic close to where you live/work?




How do you choose a good piece of jewellery? Do you go to the first shop near your home? or do you check up on several outlets? Do you prefer a place with a reputation for selling genuine stuff or do you write out cheques for anything that glitters?

The following guidelines should help you get a good dentist:

1. REPUTATION: People don't acquire reputations overnight. Talk to people -friends and family. Find out their experiences. If someone has something good to say - make a mental note of the name of the dentist. (remember no one likes dentistry - so its difficult to find someone who will rave about a dentist - but even if he/she agrees that the dentist was good - its a truly positive sign)
2. AMBIANCE: Check out the general appearance of the clinic - is it clean/hygienic? Does the ambiance put you off or is it pleasant?If the doctor has gone to the trouble of ensuring that you are seated in clean/neat/pleasant surroundings - it means the dentist is interested that you have a pleasant experience.
3. STERILIZATION AND SAFETY: Inquire about their sterilization protocol. Are all instruments put through the proper cycle of autoclaving and sterilization? Are they stored properly? Are disposables actually disposed of - after every patient? 
4. PERSONAL ATTENTION: Note the way the dentist speaks to you. The general vibe from the dentist should be friendly and confident. Does he allot sufficient time to listen to your queries? Does he/she take note of your requirements or does he thrust his own treatment plan onto you without your proper explanation? A doctor who listens to you fully, then formulates a treatment plan with more than one option - is someone who cares about what you need. The dentist should explain to you your condition, how he diagnosed it(showing you x-rays and photographs ) and possible reasons for its occurrence.
5. PATIENT CASE PHOTOGRAPHS: If you are going in for aesthetic/cosmetic procedures or dental implants - request to see previous cases done by the dentist. Most well established dentists have a patient case gallery. This is well within your rights as a patient. Moreover it will give you a fair idea what to expect, the possibilities available and the skill/experience of the dentist. 
6. DO YOUR HOMEWORK: If you have been referred a dentist's name - check online to see if they have a website. This way you have a basic idea about the doctor, the kind of work they do and also the facilities available. Also most dental procedures/products can be googled up anytime. Ask your dentist for names of procedures and products. If you need to decide about a procedure in a hurry - use the dental office computer to educate yourself immediately. Every good dental office has patient treatment related books/pamphlets/brochures available too for those not too net savvy.
7. COSTS: Do not reject a dentist on the basis of his/her treatment charges being higher than someone else. Ask the dentist politely to justify/explain the charges. Remember - there are a wide variety of materials used. Dental materials come in various qualities - and their prices differ naturally. Also a more experienced dentist will naturally charge you slightly higher than someone with less qualifications and experience. Listen - question - and then choose. ( A little note here for compulsive bargainers - please do not embarrass your doctor by attempting to bargain. Instead - if you cannot afford a certain treatment - explain your budget restrictions and request him for an alternative treatment plan).
8. CONVENIENCE: Nobody likes travelling miles to visit a dentist but forsaking a good doctor for convenience is foolishness. If you have identified a good dentist but he/she practices some distance from your place - ask him/her to reduce the number of appointments required. If you are co-operative and do not mind keeping your mouth open for larger amounts of time- the dentist will be willing to accommodate longer appointments for the sake of your convenience. This way you have achieved your objective of visiting a doctor of repute as well as decreased your travel time. Also identify convenience stores/relatives nearby - this way you can get some shopping/visiting done on the same day - justifying the distance you have traveled. 

Just like your health - your smile is something that enhances your life. It makes you feel good about yourself. It make you confident when you face the world. Entrust your smile to someone qualified, experienced and caring. 

Entrust your smile to someone who cares about your smile as much as you do. 

www.aryasdentalclinic.com