Just as you don’t have an old mechanic to fix your beloved Jaguar, you shouldn’t choose a dentist to take care of your teeth. Your smile says a lot about you and keeping it looking its best is everyone’s priority, but how do you make sure you meet the right person?

Most dentists have before and after photos on hand.

We are all different and require highly trained and skilled dentists, but the right dentist for one patient may not be right for another. Finding a good dentist in your area is the best idea, but it is not enough.

Here are seven tips for choosing the right dentist for you.

Learn about dental experience and training and clinical expertise. If you expect to have a lot of work done on a certain area, find out what your dentist can offer, how familiar they are with the procedure, and how often they do it. Make sure in advance that you can handle most of the problems that may arise. Don’t hand everything over to another party.

Confirm the price. 

If it seems too low, there may be a reason. If you think treatment is expensive, think again. Just because you can’t afford the care you need doesn’t mean you should put off getting the care you need. Also, check what your dental insurance covers and ask if your preferred dentist accepts your insurance plan.

Find out how long your dentist has been practicing and if they are happy with their client list. If he or she has a long waiting list, or has to wait weeks for an appointment, that might be an indication that you’re good. If you have to book it yourself, it will only add to your frustration.

If you are considering major cosmetic dentistry, ask if you can talk to previous patients and see before and after photos. Ask your dentist about the procedure you are interested in and how many times you have had it done before. Make sure they are up to date with the latest developments and that they are on top of their game.

Decide what’s important to you and see how the dentist fits your needs. 

Would you like to meet someone at the weekend? Do you need a dentist who can ease your dental phobia before major treatment? Would you like your dentist to use modern tools like lasers instead of scalpels or provide an iPod for use in the field?

If you need professional care, ask your dentist about the referral process. Even if you spend weeks searching for the right dentist, they will refer you to an unrated dentist. However, a good dentist may be able to refer you to someone at the same level.

Decide if you really like the man or woman and if you are satisfied with the dental staff and general environment. Many people are afraid of dentists because they are afraid of drills, discomfort and pain. If you honestly feel like you can’t trust them, it’s time to go somewhere else.

Various dental specialties

You’ve found the right general dentist, but what if you or someone in your family needs more specialized care? There are many different types of dental specialties that you should be aware of, including:

General dentist. From molar extractions to wisdom teeth, we’ve got you covered. Referral of a patient to a specialist is a personal decision. Some dentists do most of their dental work themselves, while others do more frequent referrals. You may feel more comfortable with a professional referral, or you may prefer to do everything at home.

Endodontist. I specialize in the inside of teeth, especially root canals.

Orthopedic specialist. It is not only concerned with tooth growth, but also with tooth growth, facial and jaw growth. It can address crowded teeth, protruding teeth, impacted teeth, underbites and overbites and asymmetrical teeth. You can also wear and maintain your orthodontic braces. We also perform oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Periodontist. 

We know how to deal with and treat periodontal disease, also known as periodontal disease. You can have your teeth and gums cleaned, bone grafts made, and even dental implants if needed.

Pediatric dentist. Specialized in treating children. 

Not only does she know everything there is to know about pediatric dentistry, she creates a welcoming and happy environment that makes children want to come back again and again.

A cosmetic dentist. Perform various treatments. Most of them are cosmetic, but most of them are functional in nature. From teeth whitening to veneers to bridgework, cosmetic dentists know how to give you the perfect smile.