19 Questions to Ask at Your Next Doctor's Appointment

Dentist Checklist

• X-rays
  Patients should get a complete set of X-rays every three to five years. During regular checkups—which should be scheduled every six months to a year—X-rays should be taken of individual teeth that may have cracks or cavities. Pregnant women should not have X-rays.
  


• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Syndrome
  Clenching, grinding, or bad alignment of teeth can cause this disorder. Even if you don't notice symptoms (headaches, jaw pain), your dentist should look at your bite and feel your jaw to ensure there is no stress to the joints.
  


• Periodontal Exam
  Have your gums receded? Your dentist should take measurements annually around each tooth to detect any gum disease.
  


• Oral Cancer
  The inside of your mouth and the glands in your neck area should be checked each year.
  


• Oral Surgery
  Anytime you receive general anesthesia, an oral surgeon, a surgical assistant and another assistant should be on hand to monitor your vital signs using an EKG, a blood pressure monitor and a pulse oximeter. Either the oral surgeon must be licensed in anesthesiology by the state dental board (the license should be displayed in the office) or there must be an anesthesiologist present.

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