Dental hygiene is an essential part of your overall wellness, and you need to make sure you take care of your teeth. One important part of doing so is finding a good dentist. Your dentist provides many different things, like deep cleanings and physical exams. However, you need a dentist you trust. Otherwise, you won’t get as much out of your appointments as you could. As you look for a new dentist, ask them these three questions.
1. What Services Do You Provide?
When you’re choosing a dentist, you want to be sure that they provide the exact services that you need. Some common dentistry services include fillings, cleanings, X-rays, and oral cancer screenings. While there are standard dental services that every dentist provides, others will be more specialized. For instance, not all dentists provide dental implants and teeth whitening. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, while all orthodontists are dentists, only 5% of dentists are orthodontists. If you’re considering teeth whitening or dental implants in the near future, be sure to opt for a dentist that provides those services along with general dentistry services. If you need orthodontic care, your dentist can refer you to a quality provider.
2. How Do You Handle Unique Needs?
Some patients have more unique needs than others. Patients with more advanced decay or structural issues with their teeth or jaw may need more specialized care such as surgery, extractions, or dental implants. If this sounds like you, you’ll want a compassionate and experienced dentist who understands their patients and has their best interests at heart. As you look for a dentist, ask how they and their staff would handle dental situations like yours. Their answers will help you determine if this is the right office for you.
3. Do You Offer Payment Plans?
If you don’t have insurance, dental treatment can be very expensive. Some places will expect you to pay the entire cost upfront, while others will offer payment plans. If you’re going to need a payment plan, ask about it before your first appointment. If you know what kinds of financing and payment options the dentist offers, you can figure it all out ahead of time.
Finding a new dentist can be stressful. Since medical treatment can be anxiety-inducing, you want someone who will do the work well while also providing the environment you need. As you consider dentists, make sure you ask them these three questions ahead of time. Doing so will help you choose the right one for your needs.