When You Don’t Know What Dentist to Choose
Finding a good dentist can be difficult. You don’t want to get stuck with someone who is not qualified, or worse yet, one who will hurt you! On the other hand, if you’re like many patients that haven’t been to a dentist in over five years because of fear of pain, it’s time to face your fears and find that perfect (or nearly excellent) dentist! Brushing and flossing alone is no substitute for regular checkups with a dentist. These checkups can prevent heart attacks, strokes, and other medical conditions! While some people don’t enjoy going to the dentist’s office, finding an oral health care provider that is right for you may not be too difficult if you follow these steps.
In this blog, you will find helpful tips for finding a great dentist in Shelby Township.
Finding a good dentist can be tricky. You want someone skilled, caring, and affordable. But where to look? What should you ask? And how much does this cost anyway? Read on for some tips! I’m not kidding; this is probably the most important post you will ever read. I know how it feels to have a mouth full of cavities and think like no one can help me. You want to be able to smile with confidence, and that starts with your teeth! This blog post will provide helpful information on finding a good dentist so your dental health doesn’t stay in jeopardy for longer than necessary. We will look at some factors that make up what makes someone great; then, we’ll list some dentists worth checking out. Ready? Let’s go!
A Personal Decision
If the thought of going to the dentist makes you anxious, you are in good company. But your dentist is your partner in oral health. Routine dental checkups and treatment by a dentist can help keep your teeth, mouth, and gums healthy and prevent dental disease. And poor oral health can contribute to other health risks, including cardiovascular disease. How do you find the best dentist who is right for you? Here are some essential factors to keep in mind.
Get Referrals from Family, Friends, and other Healthcare Providers
Get started by creating a list of potential dentists. To do this, ask family, friends, and other healthcare providers for recommendations. Take the time to research the dentist’s credentials and experience on Healthgrades.com. As you narrow your list, call each dentist’s office and ask for a consult appointment to meet and interview the dentist.
• Ask your friends, family, or co-workers. Chances are one of them has a great dentist they can recommend.
• Ask your doctor or a pharmacist. Members of the medical community often know one another.
• If you are moving, ask your current dentist for a recommendation. They might know somebody in the town or area you are moving to.
• Visit the American Dental Association (ADA) website.
After you have a few recommendations for a new dentist, you may want to call or visit more than one of them. Again, your relationship with your dentist is significant, so make sure you are a good fit for one another.
Check Google Reviews & Read Both Good & Bad Reviews
If you check out the offices with the most reviews on their Google Business page in the city you are located, you will typically find those offices have been around the longest and have a reputation, good or bad. See how the office responds to the reviews and the overall theme of what patients (your neighbors, family & friends) say about the office.
Research the Dentist’s Credentials
Board certification is one of the most important factors when choosing a dentist. It tells you that the dentist has the necessary training, skills, and experience to provide healthcare in general dentistry. Also, confirm that the dentist has no history of malpractice claims or disciplinary actions. The dentist’s medical school, training hospital, certifications, and malpractice and disciplinary history are found on Healthgrades.com and state websites.
Consider the Dentist’s Experience
When facing an oral health condition, experience matters. The more experience a dentist has with a disease or procedure, the better your results will likely be. Additional training is essential for dental specialties like orthodontics and endodontics. Ask how many patients with your specific condition the dentist has treated. If you suffer from dental anxiety, ask the dentist about successful approaches he or she has used with other anxious patients. If you need a specific procedure, ask how many of the methods the dentist has performed and learn about complication rates—complications the dentist has encountered and your own risk of complications.
