Finding a dentist can be a daunting task, particularly if you are in a new area and don't know anyone.
If you arm yourself with information, not only can you find someone to work on you, you can feel good about it too.
Maybe you've seen Extreme Makeover and want a new smile, or maybe you just need some routine maintenance.
Hopefully, this little lens will help you get started.
The 3 Best Ways to Find a Dentist
- Referral This is by far the best way to get started. A friend, a co-worker, perhaps your primary care physician can offer some suggestions.
- In Your Neighborhood Finding a dentist close to your home is nice because it makes it that much more convenient.
- Yellow Pages Yep, this is a viable alternative when you have no other choice.
Important Things to Know About Going to the Dentist
- You should never be in pain.
- If you must miss your appointment, please call and let them know.
- You should feel in charge of your dental health.
- Your provider should explain your treatment options clearly. Their job is to help you make the best decision for your mouth.
- When in doubt, ask.
What to Look for in Your Dentist
- Similar Goals You want your dentist to want the same things you do for your teeth. Not someone who's going to try and push you into something you don't want. Figure out what you want from basic maintenance to a full smile overhaul.
- A Good Hygienist This is the person you'll be seeing most of the time. A good hygienist should be thorough and careful. He or she should always explain to your satisfaction what's going on in your mouth.
- A Clean Well-lit Place to Get Your Mouth Worked on Dingey doesn't cut it anymore. You should feel good about the place you're going. The dental office environment can often say a lot about the quality of care you'll be receiving.
- Up To Date Technology They don't have to have the latest gadgets, but it's nice when they show some interest in developing technology. In the end, newer technology usually means less pain, more comfort, and better information about the current state of your teeth.
- Friendly Staff Dentistry is a service business. You should feel confident that the staff is taking good care of you.
Things to Think About for Your Next Visit
- Next time you get a filling, ask your dentist about using a composite (white material) over amalgam (silver material). Composite fillings look like the rest of your tooth and do not contain any mercury.
- If your dentist doesn't use a digital X-Ray system, ask him/her if they are using a high-speed film. High-speed X-Ray film and digital systems need half the exposure of standard films.
- If you're thinking about whiter teeth, ask your dentist about the different methods available today. There are many.
- If you have some slight correction you'd like to make to the position of your teeth, ask your dentist about the Invisalign system. Plastic retainers that do the job of braces, without braces.
- If you're bothered by the color of one particular tooth, talk to your dentist about veneers.
- If you dread the hygiene visit because of the picks they use, look for a dentist that uses an ultrasonic water-based system. Some find them much easier to handle.
Tips for Healthy Teeth
- Brush and floss. It doesn't get any simpler than that.
- Visit your dentist/hygienist at least twice a year for a good cleaning and checkup. They'll let you know how often you'll need to come back. Some people just need to go more often than others.
- You'll probably get X-Rays made of your teeth at least once a year.
- Try not to drink a lot of soft drinks.
- Try to avoid sticky candy.
- If your gums bleed when you floss, that's a bad thing. Talk to your hygienist about periodontal care.
