Finding a good dentist in your community can sometimes be a daunting task. Here are some things to help you in your search.
To keep your teeth in great condition,
it is important that you do not neglect them. Therefore, regular dental checkups are essential along with twice-yearly cleanings with the hygienist and annual x-rays to catch little problems before they become big ones. Here are some things to consider in your search for the perfect dentist.
A dentist is a healthcare provider who has graduated from college as well as a 4-year dental school, after which he must pass both national and state board exams to receive his license. A minimum of 2 years of additional training is required if he wishes to specialize in root canals, oral surgery, or braces. Most people see a general dentist initially, so that is what your search should focus on. You can ask relatives, friends, and neighbors for any recommendations; if you need to find a new practitioner because you moved, ask your prior one if he can refer you to anyone in your area. You can also perform online research, such as checking the local and state dental society and looking on community message boards for reviews.
Once you have narrowed down your list of names, you should factor in whether their offices are an easy commute for you and if their appointment schedule fits your needs. When you have finally made your choice of possible candidates, you should schedule a "get acquainted" appointment, at which time you can observe whether it is a clean and well-run office. The staff should go over their policies with you, including their usual fees and payment options. If you have dental insurance, this would be a good time to review with them which procedures your policy will cover and the portion of charges for which you will most likely be responsible.
Typically, a good provider will obtain a set of x-rays and then perform a detailed exam on your entire oral cavity as well as the skin of your face and neck, thyroid gland, and lymph nodes. He will also use a dental probe on your teeth and gums to check for any tooth sensitivity or signs of gum disease, making sure to detail his findings in your chart. He will explain his recommended treatment course to you in simple terms, as well as discuss the cost, expected outcome, and possible complications. As there are sometimes several different treatment options available, he should discuss those with you as the costs can vary significantly for each one.
You should avoid any oral practitioners who advertise ridiculously low fees as this can often mean a higher volume of patients, leaving less time to perform quality work. If their ads have a heavy emphasis on cosmetic dentistry or if they claim they can do all of the work needed in just one visit, this may indicate disinterest in long-term patient care, which earns them less money. The use of unnecessary sedation or "twilight sleep" is another indicator to watch for, as intravenous sedation and general anesthesia are usually not indicated for the typical patient. A dentist who tries to sell you special vitamins, advises replacement of your amalgam fillings, or immediately diagnoses you with TMJ problems should also be considered suspect.
If you have done the proper research required, you should have no trouble finding a reputable dentist to care for you for years to come. Your teeth will definitely thank you for doing so.
