How to Choose Your Dentist and Boost Your Oral Health
When it comes to maintaining your oral health, it’s very important to see the same dentist regularly. This medical professional will be familiar with your history, the results of past checkups and the oral health problems you experience most frequently.
Though choosing a good dentist is incredibly important, many people have no idea how to get started. The American Dental Association (ADA) has created its own guidelines, which are very simple to follow and will guarantee the selection of the best possible dentist.
What Kind of Dentist are You Looking for?
Are you in need of a general dentist or do you have slightly more specialized oral health needs? Look for the right professional, in order to make the most of the interactions.
A general dentist is the oral healthcare practitioner that most people need. This dentist does the regular checkups and helps patients with the most common problems (like cavities and plaque buildup).
An endodontist specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental pulp conditions. The endodontist does all kinds of root canal treatments.
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a healthcare professional that has highly specialized knowledge and skills. This surgeon treats face, mouth and jaw issues that require a surgical intervention. Accident victims that have suffered head trauma, individuals in need of reconstructive or dental implant surgery will all be looking for an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Pediatric dentists specialize in the treatment of children. A periodontist treats gum and soft tissue problems. Finally, a cosmetic dentist is the one that can give you an ideal smile through teeth whitening, bonding and veneers, among many others.
Important Questions to Ask When Choosing a Dentist
Do a bit of preliminary research. Internet can give you a lot of information about reputable dental clinics that are located conveniently. You can also ask friends and relatives for recommendations. Use this information to narrow it down to just a few options.
After you’ve chosen several dental clinics that you’re interested in, you’ll need to pay these facilities a visit. Get ready for this meeting in advance. Pay attention to some important aspects and ask the staff of the clinic certain questions.
For a start, make sure that the clinic utilizes modern equipment and it adheres to the highest safety and hygiene standards. Inquire about the work hours and the availability of emergency dental services.
Next, you should meet the dentist. Ask about their education and training. Where was it obtained? How long has the particular oral health practitioner been working with patients? Inquire about their take on preventative dentistry, about the fees and the available treatment plans. What kinds of diagnostic processes will be used to identify problems? Does the clinic posses new and safe X-ray equipment (like a digital X-ray machine)?
Getting the answers and assessing the communication style of the staff at the same time will both be important. The best oral health professionals should make you feel comfortable and they should answer all of your questions thoroughly. If you’re still missing some important information, chances are that the clinic isn’t the right one for you.
Online research and personal evaluation are both needed to find the right dentist. Take your time and don’t rush the decision. The cost of dental services is relatively high, which is why you shouldn’t accept a quality compromise. Ask questions and if necessary, call again to do follow-ups. The more information you get, the easier it’s going to be to make up your mind.