In This Article
2–4 weeks before your appointment
Research and provider selection
Research your provider's specific removal protocol — rubber dam, HVE, sectioning technique, air filtration, supplemental oxygen. Don't assume; ask specifically.
Verify IAOMT certification if it's listed — check the public directory at iaomt.org.
Review our Mercury Safety Score explainer so you understand what you're evaluating.
If undecided between providers, compare them using our interactive checklist tool.
Cost and insurance
Request an itemized written estimate (removal per tooth, SMART premium, replacement material per tooth, any consultation fees).
Call your dental insurer to confirm coverage for removal, composite replacement, and any other planned procedures.
Request a pre-authorization or pre-determination letter from your insurer if multiple teeth are involved.
If using HSA/FSA, confirm available balance and whether dental is covered under your account.
If financing, apply for CareCredit or confirm your practice's payment plan terms before the appointment.
Logistics
If sedation is planned, arrange for someone to drive you home — you cannot drive after sedation.
Arrange childcare for the appointment day and the day after if needed.
Clear your schedule for the appointment day — plan not to return to demanding work after the procedure.
If traveling to a specialist, book travel and accommodation and confirm the practice's schedule for out-of-town patients.
2–3 days before your appointment
Prepare your written list of questions to bring to the appointment. (Use our 20-question checklist as your guide.)
Gather any recent dental X-rays or records to bring or confirm they've been transferred.
Compile a current list of all medications and supplements — your dentist needs to know about blood thinners, anticoagulants, and anything affecting clotting.
Confirm your appointment time and the practice address; know where to park.
If the practice recommended pre-procedure nutritional protocols, confirm timing and have supplements ready.
Stock your kitchen with soft foods for recovery: yogurt, smoothie ingredients, soup, eggs, soft bread.
The day before
Get a good night's sleep — you'll be calmer and better able to advocate for yourself when rested.
Lay out comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to wear — avoid anything tight around the neck or that you'd mind getting slightly marked.
Set out your written question list, insurance cards, ID, and any forms the practice sent to complete in advance.
Confirm your driver's schedule if sedation is planned.
Day of appointment
Eat a light meal 2–3 hours before (unless instructed otherwise for sedation — some require fasting).
Arrive 10–15 minutes early to complete any remaining paperwork calmly.
Bring your question list, insurance card, HSA/FSA card, and a method of payment.
Wear comfortable clothes; remove jewelry from the face/neck if any.
Questions to confirm in the chair before they start
Before the dentist begins, it's completely appropriate to confirm the protective measures that will be used. A confident provider will answer these without hesitation:
- "Will you be using a rubber dam for this procedure?"
- "Is the HVE system set up and positioned at the tooth?"
- "Is the air filtration unit running in this room?"
- "Will you section the filling rather than grind it?"