what questions should i ask about my diagnosis

Most people leave the dental chair remembering only the price and the name of a procedure. A few good questions change that. You do not need dental knowledge to ask them; you just need to ask them calmly and expect clear answers. Take this list with you, or keep it on your phone.

Understanding the problem

1. What exactly is the diagnosis, in plain words? "Decay has reached the nerve of this tooth" is more useful than "RCT case".
2. How confident are you? Is this a definite finding, or a likely one that needs confirming?
3. What evidence supports it? Ask to see the X-ray and photographs, and have the problem area pointed out.
4. What caused it? Knowing the cause, whether sugar frequency, grinding, gum disease or an old leaking filling, helps prevent the next one.
5. Is this urgent? What happens if I wait a month, or six months?

Understanding the options

6. What are all my options? Including the simpler and cheaper ones, and including doing nothing for now.
7. What would you recommend, and why?
8. What is the outlook for each option? Good, fair or guarded, and how long can I reasonably expect it to last?
9. What are the common and the serious risks?
10. Does this need a specialist? If so, which kind, and why?

Understanding the practical side

11. How many visits, and how long is each? This matters if you work long hours or commute through Pune traffic.
12. What is the total cost, including X-rays, temporary crowns, core build-ups and the final crown, not just the first step?
13. What happens if it fails? What would the next step be, and would I pay again?
14. What do I need to do afterwards to make it last?

Signs you are getting good answers

• You are shown the evidence, not just told.
• Alternatives are offered without you having to drag them out.
• Uncertainty is admitted where it exists.
• You are not pushed to decide immediately, unless there is a genuine emergency.

How we try to make this easy

Our appointments are planned for 80 minutes so there is time for these questions. Your plan is written down, and you can decide afterwards, in your own time, rather than in the chair. Nobody at our clinic is paid on what you spend. Treatment proposals can be shared to your patient portal, where you can go through each tooth, compare the options and payment choices, and submit your decision. If your case needs a specialist, Dr Avinash or Dr Rashmi will explain which MDS department and why.

Our current published fees for common treatments are listed in our online store, and the final cost is always confirmed after examination. A booked consultation is ₹500; you can book through our booking page or call 8484 990 678.