Patient Dental Visit Checklist — DentistsDirectory.org

📅 Before Your Appointment

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Confirm insurance is acceptedCall the office to confirm they accept your specific plan, not just the insurance company name

Request pre-treatment estimate for major workFor any procedure over ~$300, ask the office to submit a pre-auth to your insurance first

Gather your insurance card and ID

Write down a list of all current medicationsInclude prescription drugs, OTC medications, vitamins, and supplements

Note any known drug allergiesEspecially latex, penicillin, sulfa drugs, or local anesthetics

Write down any symptoms or concernsPain, sensitivity, a specific tooth that bothers you, or anything you've noticed

Note your last dental visit and any recent X-raysIf you have records from a previous dentist, request they be transferred

Note any relevant medical conditionsHeart conditions, diabetes, pregnancy, blood thinners, or recent surgeries — all relevant to dental treatment

NOTES / THINGS TO MENTION

❓ Questions to Ask Your Dentist

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What is my overall oral health status?Ask for a summary: any cavities, gum concerns, bite issues, or anything to watch

Are there any teeth or areas I need to focus on when brushing?

Am I brushing and flossing effectively?Ask for a demonstration or tips specific to your technique

What do you recommend I do before my next visit?

Is any treatment urgent, or can it wait?Helps you prioritise if cost is a factor

What are my options for this treatment?For any recommended procedure, ask if there are alternatives

What happens if I wait on this?Understand the consequence of delaying any recommended treatment

What will this cost — with and without insurance?Request the fee and your estimated out-of-pocket cost in writing

How long will the procedure take?So you can plan your schedule appropriately

Do I need to take time off work, or can I drive myself home?Especially if sedation is involved

What signs should I watch for after the procedure?

MY OWN QUESTIONS

🦷 If Treatment Is Recommended

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Understand exactly what treatment is being recommended and whyAsk the dentist to explain the diagnosis and what the treatment addresses

Ask whether the treatment is urgent or can be monitoredSome early cavities can be watched; others require immediate filling

Request a written treatment plan with itemised costsDo not agree to any major procedure without seeing a written cost breakdown

Ask about all available material optionsE.g., tooth-coloured vs. amalgam fillings, porcelain vs. zirconia vs. gold crowns

Ask about sedation options if anxiousNitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation may be available

Ask how long the restoration is expected to last

Request a pre-treatment estimate from insuranceSubmitted by the dental office; shows exact coverage before work begins

Ask whether you need a specialist referralSome procedures are better handled by an endodontist, periodontist, or oral surgeon

NOTES ON RECOMMENDED TREATMENT

✅ After Your Appointment

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Review the treatment plan and cost estimate before leaving

Book your next appointment before leaving the officePreventive care every 6 months; every 3 months if you have gum disease

Ask for written aftercare instructions if you had a procedure

Review your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) when it arrives from insuranceCheck that treatment dates, procedure codes, and amounts match what was done

Contact the office if pain or swelling worsens after a procedureSome soreness is normal; worsening pain after 72 hours warrants a call

Request copies of X-rays if switching dentistsYou are entitled to copies of your own dental records

FOLLOW-UP REMINDERS

🔬 Specialist Visit Questions

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Use whichever section applies to your specialist appointment.

Orthodontist / Braces

Am I a candidate for clear aligners, or do I need traditional braces?

What is the estimated treatment duration?

What type of retainer will I need after treatment?

What foods will I need to avoid?

Endodontist / Root Canal

Is the tooth saveable, or are there other options?

Will I need a crown after the root canal?

How long will the procedure take and how many visits?

What are the chances the tooth will need retreatment in the future?

Periodontist / Gum Treatment

What stage of gum disease do I have?

Will deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) be enough, or will I need surgery?

How often will I need maintenance appointments after treatment?

Is any bone loss reversible?

Oral Surgeon / Extraction or Implants

What sedation options are available?

What is the recovery time and what restrictions will I have?

For implants: Do I have enough bone, or will I need a bone graft?

What is the total timeline from extraction to final crown?