Dreading a dental visit? Five tips for getting the most out of it
TEMECULA – Many people would just as soon avoid scheduling a dental appointment, unless an unbearable toothache lands them reluctantly in the dentist’s chair.Fear of pain is one reason for procrastination, but it’s not the only factor. People worry a routine checkup could reveal the need for expensive, major work. Wary patients also sometimes harbor doubts about whether a costly procedure is even necessary.But patients can put themselves at ease and get the most out of their dental visit by fully vetting their dentist and learning how to weigh options, dentist Rick Mars, DDS, author of “The Big Smile: The Principles of Modern Dentistry – for Dentists and Patients,” said. “Many dentists don’t do a good job of educating their patients and communicating with them, and