When you choose your dentist, you choose more than someone to clean your teeth and check for cavities. Your dentist, along with other medical professionals, is an essential member of your overall health team. Finding the best dentist for you has become increasingly important in recent years. Researchers continue to find links between oral health and medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and dementia. Fortunately, you can take steps to make it easier to choose your dentist for a lifetime of excellent oral care.
To find out if we are a good fit for you and the dentist you need schedule an appointment with Trident General Dentistry.
Know What You’re Looking For
It is important in your search that you find a dentist with whom you are comfortable. Other considerations before you make your final decision include:
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Is the office conveniently located?
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Do the office hours fit well with your schedule?
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Is the dentist a part of your insurance network?
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What are the payment policies for costly procedures?
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Are payment plans available?
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What is the policy for after-hours dental emergencies?
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What is the average wait time when you have an appointment?
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What dental services does the dentist provide?
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Does the dentist have any special interests, such as cosmetic dentistry or orthodontics?
Get Recommendations
It always helps to get others’ opinions and recommendations when choosing a dentist. When you gather enough information, you will probably get a small number of dentists that emerge as potential choices. You can look for recommendations from:
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Friends and relatives. It is more likely that you would be satisfied with the same dentist as a good friend or family member.
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Local dental society. You can get a list of dentists in your area to start your search.
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Other healthcare providers. You might find it helpful and informative to ask physicians you see and your local pharmacist for their recommendations.
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Internet search. This has become a major source of information we gather before choosing a new car, dentist, and practically everything in between. However, you should use caution when placing too much trust in online reviews.
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Office websites. Once you narrow your list of potential dentists, a visit to their website might supply a great deal of valuable information. Including their blog, which should host plenty of informative articles to help you through your care.
Know Your Insurance
A significant part of your search is having a thorough understanding of your dental insurance benefits. Learn what procedures your policy covers and how much coverage it includes for more expensive procedures like root canals and crowns. If you don’t have insurance, see if the dentist has their own plan, such as the Lowcountry Smile Plan. A plan like this makes dental treatment more affordable and convenient for many patients.
Schedule a Meet and Greet Office Visit
Most dentists would welcome the opportunity to meet you and discuss how they can help you maintain optimal oral health. You can discuss their philosophy of continuing education, prevention, patient privacy, and after-hour visits. You will also meet the staff and inspect the office environment to see if equipment and furniture look clean and well-maintained.
The Benefits of Regular Dental Visits
You want to choose a dentist that you are comfortable visiting regularly. This is important because you can:
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Prevent gum disease with professional teeth cleanings and examinations.
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Get examined for any signs of oral cancer.
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Have dental cavities detected in their earliest stages.
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Maintain a whiter and brighter smile.
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Treat conditions earlier and avoid more time and expense in the future.
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Review proper oral hygiene methods.
Once you choose your dentist, it is important to maintain the regular visits they recommend to keep your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime.