Three Vital Questions You Should Be Asking Your Dentist
In the world of dentistry, some practices are considered standard, and then some go above and beyond.
Today, I want to share something I’ve been passionate about for the past 40 years.
It might ruffle some feathers among my peers, but I believe it’s a crucial topic to discuss for patient safety.
When you visit a dentist, there are three vital questions you should ask to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness and care:
Do you sterilize your instruments and burrs?
This is my first question, and the answer to this question should be a resounding “yes.”
How often do you sterilize them?
However, my second question is because it’s not just about whether they sterilize their tools but also how often they do so.
Many dentists will say they sterilize their tools multiple times.
At this point, you should consider finding a new dentist because, in my practiceThis link leads to Home page, we use our drill bits only once.
Let me explain why.
A drill bit is an essential tool for cleaning out a tooth. The standard practice is sterilizing and reusing these drill bits, but we prefer using them only once.
Why? Because even though sterilization is supposed to achieve 99.9% cleanliness, it’s not 100%.
Any slight imperfection in the sterilization process can lead to complications.
Using a drill bit once eliminates this risk entirely.
It’s akin to using a sharp knife to cut a tomato: a sharp knife makes a clean cut, while a dull knife, much like a reused drill bit, causes collateral damage.
A dull drill bit generates heat, which can harm the tooth’s nerve, leading to painful and costly procedures like root canals.
Imagine the repercussions of using a dull drill bit. The excess heat generated can cause nerve damage, making the tooth sensitive and possibly necessitating a root canal.
This is why it’s critical that your dentist uses a new drill bit for each patient.
I recall a conversation with a colleague, Daryl, who is also a dentist. He mentioned that he sterilizes and reuses his drill bits to save on costs.
I asked him what he would do if it were his daughter in the dental chair.
After a moment of reflection, he admitted that he’d use a new drill bit.
This small investment in patient care is non-negotiable for me; it ensures I can sleep well at night, knowing my patients are safe.
What are the costs involved in dental instruments?
My third question is about the costs: a pack of 100 drill bits costs around $316, a mere $3.16 per bit.
If a dentist can’t afford $3.16 for a new instrument for each patient, it might be time to reconsider their services.
For root canals, where specialized tools are needed, the cost is about $8 per instrument.
This is a small price to pay for the guarantee of safety and peace of mindThis link leads to the Difference page.
Another critical aspect of dental care is proper sterilization.
We perform spore testing on our instruments.
This involves using a device that checks whether the autoclave, a machine used for sterilizing tools, is functioning correctly.
While we trust our equipment, it’s a vital extra check to ensure patient safetyThis link leads to the Wisdom Tooth Extraction page.
Mechanical devices can malfunction; without proper testing, a malfunctioning autoclave can lead to insufficiently sterilized instruments.
This is why using a new drill bit for each patient makes sterilization a non-issue—the instrument is fresh, sterile, and safe.
In conclusion, when choosing a dentist, ensure they prioritize your safety by using new drill bits for each patient.
It’s a simple yet significant step in safeguarding your dental health. If your dentist isn’t committed to this practice, it might be time to say, “See you later,” and find one who is.
Patient safety should always come first, and by insisting on these standards, you can help ensure the highest quality of dental care.
Prioritize your dental health today!
Don’t settle for less when it comes to your safety.
Put your dentist to the test with these 3 questions
If you’re looking for a new dentist or are unsure about your current dentist, ask them these 3 questions and see how they respond.
Put us to the test.
If you’re unsure about a dental diagnosis, we’d happily give you our second opinion.
We’ll give you our honest advice and would be happy to answer all of your questions (including the 3 from this article).
Or:
Call us at: 440-546-9968This link opens an application to send an email
Email us at: [email protected]This link opens an application to send an email
We have offices in Cleveland, Fairview Park, and Brecksville, Ohio, and we welcome patients from all surrounding neighborhoods.
