Expert shares tips for choosing a dentist and cutting dental costs - KOMO

Few people enjoy going to the dentist, but keeping teeth and gums healthy can help lower the risk of serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, pneumonia, and possibly Alzheimer’s disease. A good dentist can be a key ally in maintaining oral health, but patients can also face expensive procedures and confusing treatment recommendations. ConsumerMan Herb Weisbaum, a contributing editor at Checkbook.org , shared advice on how to find a dentist and how to approach dental costs. Among the issues discussed were what patients should do before agreeing to pricey treatment, what to consider if a new dentist recommends procedures a previous dentist did not — such as multiple fillings or crowns on several teeth — and what options may exist for people without dental coverage who expect they will need costly dental work. The conversation also addressed whether patients should ask if a dental practice offers discounts and what patients should expect regarding X-rays when switching to a new dental practice. More information is available through Checkbook.org . Find more ARC Seattle stories on our YouTube page. Watch ARC Seattle weekdays from 7 to 8 a.m. and 10 to 11 p.m. on KUNS, The CW Network.