Dr. Lim Dental

FAQs

  1. You have the responsibility to provide, to the best of your ability, accurate, honest and complete information about your medical history and current health status.
  2. You have the responsibility to report changes in your medical status and provide feedback about your needs and expectations.
  3. You have the responsibility to participate in your health care decisions and ask questions if you are uncertain about your dental treatment or plan.
  4. You have the responsibility to inquire about your treatment options and acknowledge the benefits and limitations of any treatment that you choose.
  5. You have the responsibility for consequences resulting from declining treatment or from not following the agreed upon treatment plan.
  6. You have the responsibility to keep your scheduled appointments.
  7. You have the responsibility to be available for treatment upon reasonable notice.
  8. You have the responsibility to adhere to regular home oral health care recommendations.
  9. You have the responsibility to assure that your financial obligations for health care received are fulfilled.1
  1. You have a right to choose your own dentist and schedule an appointment in a timely manner.
  2. You have a right to know the education and training of your dentist and the dental care team.
  3. You have a right to arrange to see the dentist every time you receive dental treatment, subject to any state law exceptions.
  4. You have a right to adequate time to ask questions and receive answers regarding your dental condition and treatment plan for your care.
  5. You have the right to know what the dental team feels is the optimal treatment plan as well as the right to ask for alternative treatment options.
  6. You have a right to an explanation of the purpose, probable (short and long term) results, alternatives and risks involved before consenting to a proposed treatment plan.
  7. You have a right to be informed of continuing heath care needs.
  8. You have a right to know in advance the expected cost of treatment.
  9. You have a right to accept, defer or decline any part of your treatment recommendations.
  10. You have a right to reasonable arrangements for dental care and emergency treatment.
  11. You have a right to receive considerate, respectful and confidential treatment by your dentist and dental team.
  12. You have a right to expect the dental team members to use appropriate infection and sterilization controls.
  13. You have a right to inquire about the availability of processes to mediate disputes about your treatment.
Don’t worry. You are not alone. Between 9-15% of Americans state having anxiety or fear when visiting their dental provider. To combat this and maintain your most optimal health, the first thing you should do is talk to your dentist. This is vital to building a good doctor-patient relationship. The key to finding a solution to dental anxiety is to discuss your fears and concerns with your dentist. Once your dentist is aware of your concerns, they will be able to better accomodate methods to make you less anxious and more comfortable.
Although it is a common habit to visit your dentist only when there’s pain or a problem, it is highly advised to visit your dentist on a regular basis. The reason for getting rid of this common habit is that preventive treatment saves not only time and money, but also enhances optimal health rather than having to perform crisis treatment, which is when the disease has reached advanced stages and treatment could be time sensitive and necessary. Although it seems like you are saving money by not visiting your dentist regularly, you may end up with a larger dent in your wallet and time by visiting only when there is pain or a problem with your mouth. This is largely due to the fact that many dental-related issues do not initiate noticeable symptoms until the disease or infection is in its later more advanced stages. At this point, treatment is necessary and more costly requiring more labor and time. Therefore, it is highly advised to visit your dentist on a regular basis to provide care for the most optimal health for your mouth, teeth, and smile.
Plaque is a clear film of bacteria consistently sticking to the teeth. As it accumulates, a hard layer of tartar which only the dentist can remove, forms between the teeth and near the gumline. Bacterial plaque contains toxic chemicals that irritate the gums. If it is not properly removed, this bacteria can cause gum disease which affects the underlying bone and blood vessels around the tooth. Due to bacteria entering the blood, gum disease is linked to other health problems including heart disease, stroke, pneumonia, and pregnancy complications. Removing plaque by brushing and flossing on a daily basis twice a day, along with regular visits to the dentist is the first step in preventing gum disease and other health problems. Once gums begin to hurt, it may be too late. By then it is in its advanced stage. Visiting your dentist on a regular basis helps prevent gum disease and improves overall health.
Please bring the following:
  1. Identification (driver’s license, military ID, or state ID)
  2. Dental Insurance Card (if applicable)
Coverage varies depending on your plan. Please be aware of the exclusions and limitations in your dental plan. However, do not let these factors determine your treatment decisions. Your health matters to us.
Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to fill out any remaining forms.
Depending on the reason for your visit, appointment length times vary. On average, plan on staying at least one to two hours.
For more information follow this link: http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/About%20the%20ADA/Files/statements_ethics_patient_rights.pdf