Searching for a dentist can take time, but once you find a dental home, you’re more likely to get the routine dental care you need to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Here are four tips for choosing the right dentist.
Tip #1. Meet the Team to See If You Click
You need to feel comfortable with the dentist and the team. Yes, you want to be sure your dentist is well qualified and has experience. But if there’s one thing that motivates patients to schedule routine checkups and keep their appointments, it’s how they feel about and interact with their dental team.
While making this type of decision often comes down to your gut feelings and first impressions, two questions are key to determining if you click with the team: Do you feel welcome, and can you really communicate? If the answer is yes, the practice may be for you!
Tip #2. Learn About Their Dental Technology
In today’s dental world, technology makes a huge difference in the quality of your care. The latest technology shortens the time it takes to perform dental procedures and improves your comfort level. Here are a few examples:
- Digital X-rays produce images with better detail than traditional X-rays and with about 80% less radiation. Plus, they’re easy to store in your electronic records.
- The iTero is a handheld device that can scan your teeth and collect digital images. Patients who need crowns, bridges, and dentures love the iTero scanner because it allows them to skip uncomfortable mouth impressions.
- CBCT uses advanced X-ray technology to produce panoramic 3D images of the soft tissues, teeth, nerves, and bones in your face. this technology is helpful for planning procedures, determining implant placements, and assessing the health of your jaw.
Tip #3. Ask About Specialized Dental Care
Everyone needs general dentistry for routine checkups and essential dental care. But what happens if you need a specialist or your concern requires advanced technology that your general dentist doesn’t have? Some dentists specialize in one area of dentistry, such as orthodontics; others practice general dentistry, which covers preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. Before you begin looking, carefully assess your dental needs so you know what sort of specialized care to search for.
Tip #4. See If They Accept Your Dental Insurance
Though the three preceding tips are essential for your overall dental care and experience, another question worth asking if the dentist takes your insurance. For many people, this is not negotiable!
Whether you don’t have a dentist or you want to switch to a new dentist, don’t put off your search. You want to choose the dentist you like before you need dental care, especially if you happen to develop a toothache or have a dental emergency.
About Our Practice
Under the leadership of Dr. Tricia Mockler, our team proudly serves the dental needs of patients in Campbell and the surrounding community. We’re excited to offer a wide variety of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment solutions; everything you need to maintain a happy and vibrant smile! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to set up an appointment, you can reach out online or call today for additional information or assistance. Telephone: (408) 871-0877.