How To Choose A New Dentist

Photo by Lesly Juarez

Good oral hygiene, access to dental care the latest tools and techniques are all part of your overall health.

If you’re moving area, or need to find a new dentist for another reason, it can be difficult to know which dental practice to register with.

Here are some of the things to consider when making your choice.

The Type Of Care You Need
Are you looking for general dentistry, or a cosmetic dentist. A lot of dentists specialise in one or the other. Of course, with technology in dental care, it’s possible to fix crooked teeth with invisible aligners that you can arrange online from experts such as Smilepath.

If you have specific teeth, gum or jaw issues that require frequent care, then having a dentist with experience in that particular condition makes sense.

Convenience
Would you prefer your dentist to be close to where you live, or where you work? There are pros and cons to both. Closer to work means that you won’t have to take as much time off. But if you’re suffering with toothache, you may not want to have to travel too far from home to get emergency treatment.

Also consider the rest of your family. If your partner and children also need a dentist, it makes sense for you all to attend the same practice.

Treatment Options Available
Not all dentists use the same treatments and techniques. Dentistry has come a long way in the last decade and you want to be sure that your dentist is up to date on these. You also don’t want to keep being referred to another practice if they don’t have the experience you’re looking for. If in doubt, contact them and ask them what types of cutting edge treatments they offer.

Experience With Nervous Patients
Fear of the dentist is a very real condition. Some people don’t visit the dentist for years at a time, only going when they are forced to through tooth pain. If you have a phobia of the dentist, then you need to find a dentist that is specially trained to deal with these types of patients. These types of dentists often have special waiting areas that are designed to look less clinical. Dentists are trained how to communicate with patients in a calm an non-judgemental manner. For the extremely fearful, there may be a range of sedative options that can relax you before a procedure.

Reputation
A bad experience at the dentist can have a lasting impact on both your oral and emotional health. Research your chosen dentist thoroughly by checking out their patient reviews. You’ll be able to find these on Google and social media as well as any third party review sites they may be signed up to. Recommendations often hold more weight than websites and brochures.

Your dental health isn’t just about a straight white smile, but is important for your overall health and wellbeing. This is why you need to choose a dentist that you trust.