Expert Q&A: What should I ask before a major dental procedure?

Posted on February 5, 2026 in Healthy You

Before scheduling a major dental procedure, it’s natural to have questions — and getting clear answers can help you feel confident and prepared. Dr. Jeffrey Chaffin, Chief Dental Officer for Delta Dental of Iowa, shares the questions every patient should ask before treatment.

Q: When a dentist recommends a major dental procedure, what general preparation or aftercare questions are important for patients to ask so they know what to expect before, during and after treatment?

Dr. Chaffin: It is important for you to be a part of the decision-making process for dental treatment. In order for you to make decisions, you need information. Ensuring that you are fully aware of the treatment plan and alternatives to the treatment are important. The costs associated with the procedures and the costs with potential alternative treatments are also important.

You should also be aware of the benefits and risks of the procedures, how long the procedure will take, if there is required follow-up care and the recovery timeline. 

Additionally, you need to be aware of post-treatment care, any medications you should take and things to avoid. For example, after a tooth extraction, the use of a straw should be avoided for the first week and longer for complex extractions. Straw use can result in dislodging the blood clot in the empty socket. That blood clot is important for healing, and when lost, it can be very painful.

Q: What should patients consider when deciding whether to move forward with a recommended procedure or wait?

Dr. Chaffin: Deferring dental treatment can be an option for some things, but you should not delay dental treatment when there is pain, swelling and signs of infection (pus and fever).

Delaying treatment can result in additional problems. If you have a dental cavity, delaying treatment can result in the cavity becoming larger, painful and potentially more expensive to correct. The same can be true with gum disease: Delaying treatment can result in worsening the gum disease.

There are times when delaying is probably fine. For example, if you are missing a tooth and want to have a dental bridge or implant to fill that space, these can be delayed until a time that is convenient or you’re able to financially prepare for the procedure.  However, there are cases when the surrounding teeth could move by delaying, so there is some risk in waiting even in those less-urgent situations.

Q: How can patients ask about alternative treatment options, and what should they look for when comparing different approaches?

Dr. Chaffin: Trust is an important factor in the relationship between any healthcare provider and their patients. The pros and cons of each alternative should be presented to you. You should feel free to ask questions when those are not provided.

Q: How should patients ask about a dentist’s experience with a specific procedure, and why does that matter?

Dr. Chaffin: Choosing a provider who is experienced in the specific treatment/procedure is important. For every provider, there always has to be a first time you perform a procedure, but generally, you want to seek out providers who are routinely providing the care you are seeking. It is fair to ask the provider about their experience and what, if any, complications their patients have had following the treatment.

Q: What guidance do you give patients on how to set themselves up for the best possible recovery and long-term results?

Dr. Chaffin: Following post-care guidance is very important. If you are prescribed medication, make sure you take it properly. Studies suggest that only about 40-50% of people effectively follow the prescription directions.¹ Not strictly following the medication directions can make the medication unsuccessful.

REFERENCE:

1. National Library of Medicine