Good oral health is a vital part of your overall health and wellbeing. And, choosing the right dentist is an important step that makes it possible for you to maintain and to achieve optimal oral health at any age.<\/p>\n
Your family dentist is your primary oral healthcare provider. They help prevent dental issues before they even begin\u2014treating many common dental conditions, restoring lost function, and enhancing your smile\u2019s aesthetics. Because your family dentist manages so many aspects of your oral healthcare, it is essential to find a dentist who sufficiently meets your needs and who consistently provides a comfortable and positive experience.<\/p>\n
Choosing a dentist is a personal decision. After all, you\u2019re going to let them into your mouth! Here are five things to consider\u2014along with some questions you should always ask\u2014that will help you choose the right dentist for both you and your family.<\/p>\n
Since all family dentists are equally certified in general dentistry, it can be hard to distinguish between one dentist and another. You want a dental practice that is the right fit for your specific needs. Before making that decision, it is important to understand the scope of services that a practice provides, so that you can receive as many of the preventative, restorative, and cosmetic services you need all in one place. Consider the dental care you and your family are seeking, and use the following questions as a framework to gauge the completeness of a dental practice\u2019s offerings:<\/p>\n
General preventative care<\/strong> is the cornerstone of a family dental practice and is a service you should expect to be exceptional. All general preventative care<\/a> provided through routine exams and cleanings aims to prevent common dental issues, such as tooth decay and gum disease, before they begin or worsen. When choosing a dentist, consider your and your family\u2019s individual dental needs, and ask yourself the following:<\/p>\n Cavity repair.<\/strong> You have choices when it comes to filling materials. While some dentists still default to amalgam (mercury) fillings, health concerns have led other dentists to use resin and composite fillings instead. Consider what type of filling you’re comfortable with and ensure your dentist offers it.<\/span><\/p>\n Use of technology.<\/strong> Does this dentist utilize modern technology such as sedation techniques, digital X-rays, and laser dentistry to maximize comfort, efficiency, and accuracy?<\/p>\n Deep cleanings.<\/strong> Does this dentist specialize in deeper cleanings such as root planing and scaling to further prevent tooth decay and gum disease?<\/p>\n Restorative care<\/a> helps you reclaim the function and appearance of damaged or missing teeth. Consider your current dental situation as you ask yourself the following:<\/p>\n Damaged teeth.<\/strong> Does this dentist specialize in restoring the function and aesthetics of teeth that are cracked, broken, or decayed?<\/p>\n Missing teeth.<\/strong> Does this dentist specialize in replacing the function and aesthetics of missing teeth through bridges and\/or implants?<\/p>\n Did you know that your oral health and your smile\u2019s appearance can impact your sense of self-esteem and your overall confidence? As the primary care provider for overall oral healthcare, many family dentists now offer treatments to enhance the appearance of their patients\u2019 teeth. If you\u2019re looking for a family dentist who can also update your smile\u2019s appearance, investigate their training, and ask yourself the following:<\/p>\n Whitening.<\/strong> Does this dentist offer a range of whitening services, including at-home and in-office treatments?<\/p>\n Corrections.<\/strong> Does this dentist specialize in correcting gaps, misalignments, discoloration, broken teeth, and \u201cgummy smiles\u201d with dental bonding or porcelain veneers?<\/p>\n You\u2019ll be more likely to keep your dental appointments if you don\u2019t have to overcome a major schedule interruption or an inconvenient commute. Consider your and your family\u2019s schedules, and ask the following:<\/p>\n Scheduling.<\/strong> Does this dentist offer appointment times that fit into my and my family\u2019s schedules?<\/p>\n Location.<\/strong> Is this dentist conveniently located from my work, home, or school?<\/p>\n Knowing how willing your dentist is to work with you so that you can comfortably afford your care<\/a> eliminates financial ambiguity and can help you chart your best course of action before proceeding with your necessary dental treatments. When you’re choosing your dentist, always consider the following:<\/p>\n Insurance.<\/strong> Does this dentist accept my insurance plan?<\/p>\n Memberships and self-pay plans.<\/strong> Does this dentist assist self-pay patients with a membership discount or with payment plan options?<\/p>\n Finding a dental office that aligns with your desired experience and values will make going to the dentist that much easier and more enjoyable. As you consider what\u2019s important to you in your dental experience, ask yourself the following:<\/p>\n Staff interactions.<\/strong> Does the staff always make you feel seen, heard, welcome, and respected?<\/p>\n Availability.<\/strong> Does the staff display excellent customer service by responding promptly and kindly to phone calls and messages?<\/p>\n Company values.<\/strong> Does the company actively participate in and give back to the community?<\/p>\n Humans have an innate negativity bias<\/a>\u2014we\u2019re more likely to remember something negative than something positive. So, if a patient takes the time to write a positive review, it is most likely the result of exceptional care that made a meaningful difference. When reviewing a practice\u2019s online reviews, ask yourself the following:<\/p>\n Balance.<\/strong> Do the positive reviews outweigh the negative?<\/p>\n Patterns.<\/strong> What do patients consistently say about this practice?<\/p>\n Once you\u2019ve chosen a dentist that both meets your needs and satisfies your criteria, you can sit back, relax…and smile! With a good at-home oral hygiene routine and a dentist you enjoy seeing, you\u2019ve officially paved the way for you and your family to enjoy the countless benefits that good oral health brings.<\/p>\n Good oral health is a vital part of your overall health and wellbeing. And, choosing the right dentist is an important step that makes it possible for you to maintain and to achieve optimal oral health at any age. Your family dentist is your primary oral healthcare provider. They help prevent dental issues before they […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":1620,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[36],"tags":[25],"yoast_head":"\nRestorative care<\/h2>\n
Cosmetic care<\/h2>\n
Convenience<\/h2>\n
How they help you afford your care<\/h2>\n
Office culture<\/h2>\n
Online reviews<\/h2>\n
Read More<\/h2>\n
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