Finding a dentist that’s right for you
- Jan 10 2017
Each day, we all make hundreds of decisions. Should you gulp down another cup of regular coffee or switch to decaf? What TV show should you start on Netflix? Would you rather fix dinner or order in tonight? While some choices don’t make that much difference in the grand scheme of things, others do. Take choosing a dentist, for example. When it comes to picking one, there are lots of factors to take into consideration, and selecting the right one can influence how often you go for routine visits and how you feel after leaving. New York is full of talented and respected dental offices, so you’ll need to really do some research. As you narrow down options in your search, think about the following things.
What are your needs?
While you can’t predict what dental issues you might have in the future, you can probably guess some things that might be down the line. While the majority of dentists can provide basics like cleanings, fillings, X-rays, and exams, you might be interested in having cosmetic dental procedures, like inlays, onlays, or veneers. Perhaps braces or other orthodontics are in your future. Some dentists offer other services, too. In our office, facial aesthetic procedures — including BOTOX®, cosmetic vein treatments, and dermal fillers — are available. Regardless of what immediate or potential needs you identify, do plenty of research in advance to make sure the potential dentist you’re considering has the skills and training to meet them.
What do others say about them?
Reputation is important and crowdsourcing is a helpful step to narrow your choices.. Ask your family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors for recommendations. Reviewing sites like Google and Angie’s List can also prove helpful in confirming whether a dentist meets your standards. If possible, look for photos of clients who have been treated by the dentist you are considering. This can give you a better understanding of both what the dentist is capable of and what you can expect if you are going through the same or a similar procedure.
Is this a practical choice for you?
If you plan on using insurance during your visit, be sure to find out if the dentist accepts yours. Location is also important. Are you planning on having appointments during your work day? If so, look for a location close to your place of employment. If you plan on scheduling appointments later in the afternoon or work from your home, an office closer to your home might be more convenient.
What is an ideal dental practice?
Some patients find dental appointments anxiety-producing, so make time to visit the office of your potential dentist to be sure that the environment is calming, clean, and pleasant. The office should be designed for your physical and emotional comfort. It is important that you not feel that you are in a full waiting room where the dentist is rushing and the patients are on a long list waiting to be called. Assure yourself that once you have chosen your dentist, you will see the same dentist every time you visit, so you can develop a warm relationship and feel the trust that is essential to good dental care.
If you’re looking for a new dentist, know that we’re now accepting patients, and we’d love to work with you. Call or stop in today to learn more about us. We look forward to getting to know you and to meeting your dental needs with the personal care you deserve.
Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry