What to Look for in a Dentist?

[Tariq Drabu]

The decision of choosing a dentist shouldn’t be taken lightly. You may find many dentists in your city, but you should prefer quality over quantity. A renowned and reputed dentist can take care of you and your family dental needs. A dentist can evaluate the current conditions and provide treatments or recommendations to avoid dental problems in the future.

Should you choose a general dentist or a specialist dentist?

General dentistry is focused towards the prevention of disease and for regular checkups as well as maintaining a general dentist can assist you well. A general dentist focuses on oral hygiene and health. They help individuals to avoid the progression of these diseases. If the disease becomes severe you may need to meet a specialist dentist eventually. A specialty dentist will have specialized training and make use of experts techniques to deal with different types of teeth issues. Therefore, a general dentist will educate you on daily hygiene, understand your dental history and advise on things you need to implement for good oral health.  You may need to visit a general dentist on a routine basis so a thorough examination of your mouth can be performed. Then, the general dentists will discuss your overall dental health.

You can consider a general as well as specialty dentist like Baer Dental Designs who are highly skilled to treat gum diseases, educate you on maintaining your teeth and make your visits comfortable as well as relaxed.

A few things to consider while choosing a dentist:

Ask your relatives and peers: Referrals are the best way to find a dentist whom you and your family will love. Ask what it is they like about the dentist and what things they would like to change. Accordingly, choose some dentists.

Check credentials: When choosing a dentist makes sure the dentist is a member of ADA (American Dental Association) who holds at least five ethical standards related to patient care.  

Schedule a checkup: It will be difficult to analyze the quality of dental care offered by the dentist until you meet him or her. So, scheduling an appointment is vital to know the dentist well. Do not be afraid to ask them questions on training, credentials, and qualifications because you have the complete right to feel comfortable and safe with your dentist. Ask if the dentist specialize in anything and won any special awards? A reputed and professional dentist will always be ready to answer your questions honestly and address your concerns. If someone is not willing to answer you then you know what to do. Yes, you need to look for someone else.

Treatments and procedures: General dentists offer treatments related to cavities, fillings and other general dental procedures and some may offer specialty treatments as well. A good general dentist like Baer Dental Designs will offer other specialty treatments as well. The other specialty treatments which you can expect include dental implants, veneers, pediatric dentistry, oral surgery, cosmetic dentistry, etc. A reputed dentist who offers such specialty treatments is a bonus. If you want cosmetic dentistry treatment then check before and after photos. If they have nothing to show then this is a sign of substandard work. Be careful when you inquiring about the treatments and procedures as your dental health portrays your general health.

So, do look for these things when choosing a dentist because you would need to see a dentist for routine checkups.  Do not ignore these steps to find a good dentist because you may have to compromise with your dental health. Choose the best dentist and keep smiling beautifully throughout your life.