best dentist

3 Qualities to Look for in a Qualified Dentist

Your oral health is very important. As such, you should be very proactive in taking care of your teeth. One of the easiest ways to do this is by visiting the dentist regularly. However, for the best results you need to find the best dentist near you. Your dentist must be knowledgeable and have great interpersonal skills. They must also pay attention to the smallest details. Here’s an in-depth look at the qualities to look for in a qualified dentist.

1. Attention to Detail

The mouth is a very small space. To ensure that they never miss anything, a qualified dentist should pay attention to every single detail. Missing the smallest details can differentiate between proper jaw alignment issues. Dentists must also be able to spot any details that may be early indicators of a dental problem. The best dentist for you won’t overlook small details that could turn into big problems later.

2. Strong Interpersonal Skills

A qualified dentist must also have strong interpersonal skills. Let’s face it, not many people enjoy going to the dentist. It’s the role of the dentist to make patients comfortable and calm. This is especially important when dealing with patients who have dental anxiety. The dentist must be very kind and compassionate. They should take their patients’ complaints about pain seriously, and also empathize with them. It’s also important for dentists to be honest about treatment options so they can gain the trust of their patients. These things make all the difference when it comes to patient experience.

3. Up to Date with Modern Treatment Methods

Dentistry is one of the fastest moving fields. Lots of new technologies are introduced every year. Some advances make dental procedures more comfortable, while others improve the outcome of treatment. The best dentist should know all about these new technologies and be able to discern if any of them are right for you. They should desire to learn and master new concepts that help improve treatment processes and outcomes. This instantly makes them stand out from the rest. Some of the new treatments that dentists should be aware of include things like Invisalign. According to PR News Wire, about 47% of teens with Invisalign surveyed had a boost of self-esteem in the treatment process, compared to only 22% of teens with traditional metal braces. In such instances, knowing about Invisalign can make treatment far better for patients.

These are some of the most important qualities to look for in a qualified dentist. Are you looking for the best dentist near you? Get in touch with Lowell Dental Arts today.

family dentist

5 Signs It’s Time to See the Family Dentist

While nobody particularly enjoys going to the dentist, it is crucial for your health. According to the CDC, 26% of adults have unattended tooth decay. That means at least one in four adults have this problem, which is quite alarming. The statistics exemplify the importance of scheduling an appointment with your family dentist for a thorough check-up at least twice a year, on top of following proper dental hygiene.

Additionally, most orthodontists recommend that kids visit them once they reach the age of seven, when their permanent teeth start to come in. You may also want to visit your dentist to seek general dentistry, cosmetic, or restorative services. In this article, you will learn about the symptoms that suggest you need to schedule a family dentist visit immediately.

1. Bleeding Gum Tissue

It’s normal for your gums to bleed a little when flossing or brushing. However, consistent bleeding may be due to gum disease. In such a case, you must visit your family dentist for a check-up. Your dentist can help you devise a plan to treat gum disease and prevent bleeding.

2. Tooth Sensitivity

You should consider a dental check-up if your teeth are overly sensitive to hot or cold substances. It could be a symptom of an infection or tooth decay.

3. Persistent Bad Breath

Bad breath causes discomfort and even loss of self-esteem. The common perception is that bad breath is caused by failure to brush your teeth. However, persistent bad breath can result from a dental infection. In this case, it would be helpful to visit your dentist for a check-up and a prescription.

4. Toothache

A toothache can result from a cavity, and unfortunately the pain can escalate very quickly. It is another reason to visit your family dentist immediately for treatment. It is better to get a cavity treated quickly before it has a chance to grow.

5. Tooth Discoloration

If you notice that your tooth is turning black, brown, or gray, chances are it’s due to an infection or excessive plaque buildup. It would be wise to visit your dentist for further investigation and treatment.

It is alarming that many grown-ups in the US have unattended tooth decay. This is a significant amount of the population, and the figures could be more.

If you want to be on the safe side, it would be prudent to visit your family dentist regularly for cleaning and check-ups to avoid tooth-related problems. Call Lowell Dental Arts today to schedule an appointment.

dentist

3 Important Questions to Ask When Choosing Your Dentist

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.

dental care services

Easy Ways to Help Prevent Cavities

Dental cavities are an incredibly common problem for both adults and kids. In fact, a quarter of all adults from 20 to 64 have cavities right now, according to the CDC. Everyone needs to use dental care services to help prevent cavities and to treat them when they’ve formed. The best way to prevent cavities is to brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. This will loosen up the food and debris that collect on the teeth and can also help to remove the plaque. Let’s look at some other easy ways to help prevent cavities.

Floss Every Day

Another important way to help prevent cavities from forming is to floss at least once a day. The best scenario is to brush and floss after every meal, but most people don’t have time to do so. Flossing at the end of the day removes food particles from the spaces in between teeth. Because so few people floss as they are supposed to, the area between teeth is a common one for cavities to form. When food is left in this space, it eventually creates plaque, and plaque can release acids that eat into the teeth, causing cavities. When you get dental care services for a cavity, it’s because the acids have eroded the teeth and created an infected area that is damaging the tooth.

Schedule Regular Dental Appointments

It’s also important for you to get preventative dental care services to help protect against cavities. Going to see the dentist every six months will get you the preventative care you need to prevent a host of dental problems. People who see the dentist regularly for their deep cleaning and tooth exam can get their plaque and tartar removed so that it doesn’t keep getting thicker and stronger. The dental exam also allows the dentist to find and correct small problems with your teeth before they get any bigger.

Getting a fluoride treatment is another way to help you keep your teeth stronger and healthier. The dentist can administer this treatment at the end of your dental exam to strengthen the enamel of each of your teeth.

Doing your due diligence to prevent cavities will greatly aid your oral health. When you need to make a dental appointment, get in touch with Lowell Dental Arts today.

family dentist

Tips For Finding The Right Family Dentist

Dental care is an important need for every family. Dental health is responsible for physical and emotional well-being. A person’s smile could affect how they feel about themselves from a very young age. According to the CDC, over 52% of children have had cavities of their primary teeth by the time they are 8 years old. A family dentist can help a family take care of the dental needs of their children from a very young age and ensure that they grow up with healthy teeth.

Ask for Recommendations

The first way to get a reputable family dentist is to get recommendations from family and friends. A dentist that is recommended by someone in your circle means that they have previous experience with them, and they guarantee quality dental care.

Search for Online Reviews

After getting a recommendation, it is important to do your due diligence. You can look for online reviews of the dentist. Online reviews help you get a broader picture of the nature of the dentist. Their experience with other people helps you get a general understanding of the personality of these dentists and the quality of their work. Get to know the licenses owned by the family dentist you are looking for. It is important to ensure that your family dentist is licensed to practice.

Check Whether They Accept Your Insurance

Insurance is an important aspect of healthcare. Dental care can become very expensive. When choosing a family dentist, you must ensure that your insurance can be used to pay for the services. Enquire whether they accept payment from your insurance provider. This will save you lots of money in dental fees.

Where Are They Located?

The location of a family dentist is also important. You want to get a family dentist that is close to you. Dental visits should easily fit into your schedule. You do not need to invest hours of traveling to get to your dentist. It’s wise to get a good family dentist that’s within your area of residence. Their working hours should allow you to make your dental visits with minimal disruption to your routine.

Visit Their Office

Visit the dentist’s office before settling on them as your family dentist. Ensure that you have seen their office and are comfortable with them.

A family dentist relationship with a person can be long-term. You want a dentist that will be present from the time your children are teething until they are old enough to move out. It is important to put a lot of thought and diligence into your choice of dentist. Contact us today to make an appointment!

Lowell Dental Arts