How to Choose Dental Office You Can Actually Trust and Depend On
Gum disease, cavities, tooth decay, and other dental problems may affect your health later down the road. Untreated cavities, for example, can lead to infections, tooth sensitivity, or even bone loss. Like with most conditions, prevention is your best defense.
A good starting point is to see your dentist more often.
Dental health professionals can identify issues you may not be aware of and recommend the best course of action. They not only check for cavities but also look for signs of plaque and examine your throat, neck, and face.
It all starts with choosing a dental office you can trust. Dentists have different qualifications and specialties. Some have years of experience in periodontics, while others specialize in pediatric dentistry or endodontics.
Not sure what to look for? Use these tips to find the right dental office for your needs!
Do Your Research
First things first, determine what you expect from a dental office. Some practices appeal to families with children, while others specialize in aesthetic dentistry.
Dr. Suzanne Caudry, for example, is one of the leading dental implant experts in Toronto. If you want a perfect smile, it makes sense to choose a dentist with experience in cosmetic, restorative, and periodontal procedures.
Start with an online search. Look for dental offices in your area and see what services they offer. Check their office hours, areas of practice, experience, and rates.
Next, take the time to read customer reviews and testimonials. Yelp, Facebook, Yellow Pages, and Google Maps are all a great source of information. You may also want to ask your family and friends for recommendations.
Consider Your Dental Health Benefits
Most Canadians have a dental plan through their employers or government dental programs. Some pay for it on their own.
If you have dental coverage, it’s in your best interest to find a practitioner who is in your dental insurance network. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay out of pocket.
Beware that dental plans typically don’t cover cosmetic and periodontal procedures. If you need these services, reach out to the dentists you’re interested in and inquire about their fees.
Ask about Emergency Services
Tooth pain occurs when you least expect it. The risk is even higher for children as they tend to chew on everything, from toys to raw beans and other stuff.
To stay on the safe side, look for a dental office that handles dental emergencies. If you find one that looks good but doesn’t offer this service, they should be able to recommend emergency care elsewhere.
Swing by for a Visit
Once you have a list of dental offices, consider paying them a visit. What is the ambiance like? Are the staff members friendly and helpful?
Have a short talk with the dentist and other team members. See what kind of equipment they use and what the office looks like. Some dental offices have relaxing music and other amenities designed to reduce stress and put the patients at ease.
Choose a Dental Office You’re Comfortable With
From office hours and location to the services provided, there are lots of factors to consider when choosing a dental office.
Your best bet is to visit the facility and see how it makes you feel. Consider scheduling a consultation to get a better idea of what to expect.
In the meantime, browse the rest of our blog for other health tips! We’ll show you how to tell if your gut is out of whack, how to lower blood pressure naturally, and more!
