23
Apr, 2015
Important Things to Look For When Choosing a Dentist
There are many highly qualified dentists to choose from, and your unique needs will determine the best dentist for you. With dental surgeons all over Massachusetts in Wakefield, Burlington, Reading and beyond, you have plenty options available. Keep the following important things in mind before making your choice.
1. The dentist’s personal style
If the thought of going to the dentist makes you feel nervous and uneasy, you’ll want to find a practitioner who is comfortable dealing with dental phobias. Someone with a calming presence and a willingness to answer questions can help to ensure you feel safe. However, if you have a busy career or personal life then you might want to choose a dentist who is quick, efficient and less likely to engage in personal conversation. Some practitioners also specialize in family dentistry and are particularly good at dealing with children both in the waiting room and the treatment room.
2. Your goals
If you are looking for more than just regular checkups, it’s vital to find a dentist who offers specialize care. For example, if you would like to pursue smile reconstruction then you’ll be happiest with someone who has a longstanding reputation for performing procedures like implant placement, veneer design and crown installation. Meanwhile, if you feel straighter, more even teeth would help to give you a healthy smile, an orthodontist could be the ideal choice. When you investigate a dental practice, ask about all of their services and any extra qualifications held by the dentists in the office.
3. Sedation options offered
If previous experiences or deep-rooted fears suggest that you will need extra help when trying to relax for a dental procedure, you should look into the sedation options provided by different practices. For example, some dentists will only offer general anesthesia (during which you are unconscious). However, other dentists may be willing to use IV sedation, inhalation sedation or oral conscious sedation to ensure you are able to tolerate a procedure.
4. Convenience
While it can be worth traveling for a dental checkup if you value your dentist, it is also important to be able to access care in an emergency. Consequently, you should consider how easy it is to get to your dental clinic and how quickly you can expect to be seen if you have a damaged or lacerated mouth. Depending on your career, it may also be prudent to find a dentist whose office is open outside of conventional hours.
5. Entertainment options
Boring dental appointments are a thing of the past, so be sure to check out any dental office’s entertainment choices before committing to a particular practice. For example, you might want to opt for a dentist who offers wi-fi in the waiting room so that you can continue to work while you wait for your appointment. In addition, television and music options in treatment rooms can help to pass the time as well as induce relaxation.