Dentist - What Should You Look For When Choosing One?

As with other forms of health care, technological change has been a huge factor in its progress and effectiveness. The modern dentist’s office has a wide variety of tools to choose from in providing you with the highest quality care and comfort.

When selecting the right dentist for you, there are several factors to consider. As mentioned, the technology they have available can make a huge difference in your experience. In addition to technology, you will also want the human touch of care and comfort. A quality dentist will make his or her patient feel at ease in their chair. Many dentistry patients have anxiety about being in the dentist’s chair because of their fear of pain or discomfort with having their mouth examined, cleaned, and mended. Patients often also experience anxiety about being judged on their self-care of their teeth. It is important to find someone who will give you an honest assessment about your self-care without making you feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. You will likely want someone who is both kind and experienced. Often, a dentist’s personality is as important as all of the other factors one usually considers when choosing one.

A dentist does not carry out his or her job alone. A quality support staff is necessary to ensure that you get the best care possible. Dental assistants and hygienists will assist him or her and also conduct regular teeth cleanings for patients and regular x-rays to check the health of the patient’s teeth. There will also be one or several receptionists with whom you will schedule appointments and discuss billing and insurance issues.

A dentist’s office will provide several different services to its patients, including regular cleanings and taking x-rays, but also more complex procedures such as root canals, installation of bridges and implants, taking molds of the teeth, and other work. The doctor may work in conjunction with an oral surgeon for mending serious injuries to the teeth.

In some cases, an oral surgeon will surgically implant bone and dental implants, while the dentist will do the follow up work of helping the patient choose the shade of color and shape for the visible portion of the tooth implants. A separate lab may actually make the final implants, and the dentist can set them in the patient’s mouth and put the finishing touches on the implants to make them look their best.

As you can see, a dentist’s job is quite complicated and involves many processes, people, and tools to give the best possible care to every patient. Asking a few questions about what level of technology and care the office can provide you will help you select the right one for you. Everyone is different, so assessing your own needs and asking questions will help you pair yourself with the best office for you in your area.