Five Questions to Ask When Looking for a Family Dentist
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Choosing a new family dentist is an important decision. At Advanced Dentistry of Centre County, we believe a good dentist will partner with you to maintain your oral health and can take care of the dental needs of everyone in your family. Instead of committing to the first one you find, you should evaluate several family dentists to ensure the one you choose is experienced and trustworthy.
If you’re searching for a family dentist in State College, PA, ask these questions before scheduling an appointment to get the best fit for you and your family.
How much experience do you have, and what are your areas of expertise?
Some dentists specialize in specific treatments, like implants, orthodontics, or cosmetics. Others have extensive training in many areas and can provide more comprehensive care. Choose the dentist whose background and expertise are most helpful for you. For example, if you have children, be sure to ask if the office is kid-friendly.
When in doubt, family dentists with a long history of success are a safe bet. While newer practices can have highly qualified dentists, an office with years of experience is more likely to provide superb care and customer service.
Do you have positive references and online reviews?
Do some digging online before visiting a new dentist. Any reputable office will have an online presence, and you can get honest feedback from some of their past patients. Yelp, Google, and social media apps, like Instagram, are the most popular sources for unbiased ratings in State College, PA. Be sure to read several reviews to learn more about the dentist’s technical skills and personality.
What payment options do you offer?
It’s no secret that dental procedures can be costly. Most successful dentists offer several options to make their services more accessible, including payment plans and financing. Before you make a final decision, ask the office staff what options they have for payment. Do they have interest-free programs? Is there an option that does not require a credit check? Whether you’re completely covered by insurance, or you’re paying with cash, your dentist should be able to work with you to make your treatment more affordable.
How often do you take x-rays?
Unfortunately, some serious dental issues can have little to no symptoms and be difficult to detect. Without oral or bone pain, you may be unaware of problems arising just under the surface. X-rays are a quick and easy way for your dentist to check the health of your teeth and gums beyond what they can see during an oral exam.
Thanks to computerized x-rays, dentists can almost instantly spot common conditions, such as cavities, and recommend a suitable treatment. Most family dentists perform x-rays at least once per year or whenever they suspect decay, infection, or some other issue.
Will you show me ways to maintain my oral hygiene at home?
One of the most critical factors to maintaining a healthy smile is having a good at-home oral hygiene routine. After each appointment, our team of dental professionals will help you develop a personalized care plan to improve your family’s dental health. In addition, our caring staff is happy to show you proper flossing and brushing techniques and suggest products to help you manage specific oral health concerns.
At Advanced Dentistry of Centre County, we are proud to offer general, preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental procedures for all stages of life, including young children, teens, adults, pregnant women, and seniors in the State College, PA area. If you’re searching for a new family dentist, contact us today to schedule an appointment.