Have you ever thought about how to choose a good dentist? Do you Google your zip code or ask a friend for a referral based on her dental experience? What about local dentist reviews? These are all a manner of selecting a dentist but do you know what you need?
Job #1 when selecting a dentist is to know what you need; and then find the best dental office. Do you need a general dentist for cleaning? Do you need a cosmetic dentist to discuss cosmetic dental procedures like teeth whitening or cosmetic veneers?
What to look for
Good dentists take a personal interest in patients’ health and are prevention-oriented. When seeing a new patient, a dentist uses x-ray films and probably suggests a full-mouth study unless suitable films are available from the patient’s previous dentist.
A thorough dental examination includes inspection of the teeth, gums, tongue, lips, inside of the cheek, palate, and the skin of the face and neck, plus feeling the neck for abnormal lymph nodes and enlargement of the thyroid gland. In adults, a periodontal probe should be inserted between the gums and teeth to detect abnormally large crevices. Good dentists also chart their findings in detail.
Regular check-ups can detect problems early. Routine teeth cleanings, bite evaluation, periodontal examinations, early interventions, and fluoride treatments can often avoid costly repairs later. The frequency of maintenance care (including calculus removal and x-ray examinations) should be based on an assessment and the condition of the gums, teeth and any other special problems. Once an initial current treatment has been completed, patient should be scheduled for a cleaning every six months and notified when the next checkup is due.
The cost of good dental work
High-quality dental work usually lasts a very long time. The price of dental work is not the best way to judge quality; rather, pay attention to the time the dentist takes to do the work. High-quality dentistry cannot be done assembly-line style; it takes time and meticulous attention to detail.
Before embarking on treatment, get a clear understanding of what needs to be done and what the outcome might be. Consider treatment options, because there may be more than one way to accomplish a goal. For example, a removable bridge, fixed bridge, or dental implants may all be acceptable ways to address dental reconstruction for a missing tooth; but they have different advantages, disadvantages, and dental implant costs. These are examples of cosmetic dental procedures which may require you to find a cosmetic dentist.
Your family dentist
It makes sense to become acquainted with a family dentist before an emergency arises. Suitable prospects can be identified by asking among friends, acquaintances, and local health professionals. Additional recommendations can be obtained from a local dental society or a dental school if one is located nearby. For aesthetic dentistry and reconstructive dental surgery, your general dentist is the first and best source for best cosmetic dentists in your area.
The time and attention from a trusted dentist makes for a beautiful long term smile.
For over 30 years, Dr. Lee Weisbard, D.D.S., and her team have provided Colorado and beyond with the highest quality dental experience available. And it all grew out of her compassion for others and a love for the dental arts.
She has the skills and committed excellence in cosmetic, general, and dental implant dentistry that brings you the best dental care in Greenwood Village, DTC, Englewood, Cherry Hills, Littleton, and the surrounding cities of Denver. She has received numerous awards and honors, including the prestigious 2018 Colorado Businesswoman of the Year award.