How to Advocate for Yourself at the Dentist

Think about the last time you went to a dentist: Did you walk out feeling like your questions were answered, or did you wonder whether your provider was being straight with you?

Dental visits can be daunting — and not just because of the whirring drills. Dentists may seem to speak another language entirely, and everything they suggest can feel important. You must have a sealant painted on your tooth or risk bacteria creating holes in it. You must get an extraction because an oral infection has spread and is causing pain.

To get the best results and a more positive experience, experts recommend speaking up. Here are tips for what to ask and how to evaluate the treatments you are offered at the dentist.

Get a good look at the problems yourself.

The first step to effectively advocating for yourself is understanding what your problems are. Ask your dentist to show you exactly where the pockets of your gums are getting deeper and letting bacteria accumulate, or which fillings are getting worn down by night grinding.

“You don’t have to get technical about it,” said Ellie Phillips, a preventive dentist based in Austin. “But I would recommend noting if it’s something affecting your front teeth or the back of your mouth. Is it on the outside, which is the cheek side, or is it on the tongue side?”

Visual aids like X-rays or images from an intraoral camera — or even just looking in a mirror — can also help demystify what’s going on in your mouth.

Don’t feel pressured to agree to anything — even cleanings.

Your dentist should be able to explain why particular problem areas need specific treatments, said Alyson Leffel, director of patient advocacy and social work at the NYU College of Dentistry. And it’s perfectly reasonable to ask them for time to research and reflect on your options.