Your smile is always the first thing people see when they meet you and you want to put your best face forward. Not only that, but tooth pain can be miserable. So, how do you decide what dentist to trust with your teeth?
So, what are some of the situations that can lead you to look for dentistry services?
There are many unavoidable circumstances that can lead you to want to get a new dentist. Some of them are you moved to a new location and you require immediate dental check-up, or your dentist retired cannot treat you anymore. In some instances, this could be your first time with a toothache or any dental irregularities that will make you look for a dentist to treat you. There are several reasons as to why you are looking for one, but the most important thing is choosing the right dentist.
Types of Dentists
The first step when choosing the best dentist in Charlotte is to know what type of dentist you need. This is essential because not all dentists are equal. There are several distinctions within the dental field like cosmetic dentistry, family dentistry, oral surgeons and so on. Therefore, conducting proper research ahead of time will help you to determine the kind of dentist that you need. Whether you are concerned about a specific issue, need more than just general care, or need someone specialized in pediatrics or gums, the right dentist is out there. In general, you are going to see a general dentist before you see a specialist. They can diagnose your problem and refer you to the appropriate specialist.
Where to Begin Your Search for a New Dentist
Where do you begin when you are looking for the best dentist? If you open the phone book, you’re likely to find many dentists in your city. One thing to consider is the location of the office. The more convenient it is for you to get there, the more likely you are to keep up with regular checkups. Choose an area of town you feel safe visiting. In addition to location, make sure the office hours fit with your needs and your schedule.
Visit All Prospective Dentist Offices
Once you’ve narrowed things down, begin to look at the particular dentist. When you go to the office, are you treated professionally? If the atmosphere is too casual for your comfort, or if you always have to wait for extended periods of time and appointments run late, it might not be the best dentist office for you.
You can also inquire at the beginning about the types of procedures that the dentist performs. If they only do cleanings, fillings, and very basic procedures but you know you need more, you may want to shop around. If you can find a dentist who meets most of your needs, it will eliminate the need to transfer records and build relationships with more than one doctor.
If you are very squeamish about visits to the dentist, you may want to ask about what types of anesthetics the office uses. For people who are very sensitive or afraid, some doctors offer normal sedation dentistry.
Check the Experience & Credentials of the Dentist
Experience is important when choosing the right dentist because it can determine how you will be treated. If a dentist has several years of experience, there is likely a chance that he/she may have dealt with similar situations before; therefore, would know what to do. You can also ask about the extent of their training.
There is no substitute when it comes to experience and appropriate credentials when dealing with health professionals, and dentists are no exception to this rule. Ask how long the dentist has been in practice, the area of specialty and contact referrals of patients so that you can inquire more. You can also look at their website and read the reviews that have been posted about them.
Ask the Dentist Questions
One very important question to ask is what kind of dental plans or insurance the office accepts. The type of billing services the dental office offers may be a huge factor in choosing the best dentist for your needs. Will they bill your dental plan/insurance or bill you directly? Is the co-pay or the fee for services due on the day of your appointment? Make sure you have all of your questions answered before making your final choice.
Another great source of information is your network, including your friends, relatives, and co-workers. They can steer you towards dentists they particularly like and warn you against dentists that they’ve had problems with in the past. For great doctors and dentists, word of mouth is one of their strongest marketing methods.
How to Find the Best Dentist
The best dentist should take an interest in you as a patient. Their care should be centered on tooth care maintenance and prevention of problems. At your initial appointment, the dentist should inspect your teeth, gums, tongue, lips, and cheeks.
When you find a dentist you think may work for you, don’t be afraid to call their office. Many times it’s possible to make a “meet and greet” type appointment where you go in, meet the dentist, see the office, and have any questions answered.
