Nobody likes the idea of going through surgery. The whole notion of razors, anesthetics, healing time and even rehabilitation adds up for a long and stressful time. However, before you agree with jumping under the knife, there are a few ways you can go about avoiding these costly procedures.
The first thing you should do when looking for an alternative to surgery is to sit down with your dentist for an in-depth discussion on your teeth. There maybe a possibility that you can treat the ailment at home by sprucing up your oral hygiene or changing your diet. This will only work if problems are found early enough for simple lifestyle changes to work. Regular visits to your dentist are a must for this option to be viable.
Another item you can talk with your dentist about is if a series of smaller procedures will correct your current situation. Items like crowns and dental veneers can be used in place of minor surgical procedures. These maybe more time consuming, but for smaller issues can be easier than a full blown surgery.
If your dentist gives you no other option other than going under the knife, it is time to seek out a second, or third, opinion. Talking with other dentists can be a great way to get a more varied opinion on your current situation. You may also find that another dentist has a solution that is every bit as effective, yet will require no dental surgery. Make sure you are getting second opinions from reputable people as well.
There is also the option of searching the Internet. The Internet is full of information, and you most likely are not alone in your dental diagnosis. Being informed on your ailments will help you when chatting with your dentist. You can also join online communities and talk about what solutions other people have come across in the past. There is a wide world of information out there, you just need to dig through it for what will benefit you.
Finally, there is the dreaded insurance call. If you are facing any major procedure, it is always a good idea to chat with your insurance company to see what they will and will not cover. They may advise you to seek another opinion, try a different solution, or even direct you to a better procedure. The key is that you want to make sure whatever direction you end up going is covered by your insurance company and that they know what is going on.
The best thing you can do to avoid dental surgery of any kind is to maintain good oral hygiene. Stay away from gobs of sugar, brush and floss your teeth regularly, and swing by your dentist every six months. A properly maintained mouth is a happy, less surgical dependent mouth!