How to Find the Best Dentist in Plano for Your Needs
By the time Americans hit their 50s, they've already lost about 12 permanent teeth.
Shocking, right?
But what's even more shocking is that 7% of folks in the U.S. have experienced tooth loss when they're only 17!
The culprit? Tooth decay.
In fact, it's one of the top reasons 178 million Americans have at least one missing tooth. The same goes true for the 35 million people with complete edentulism (toothlessness).
You don't have to suffer the same fate though. The best dentist in Plano can help bring down your risks for oral health problems.
The thing is, Texas houses almost 14,600 active dentists, many of whom practice in Plano. That can make finding the best dental health care provider for you a bit more difficult.
Don't worry though! In this post, we'll share insider tips on choosing the best dentist for you and your family.
1. Consider Your Specific Oral Health Needs
Dental public health is only one of the nine different dental specialties. That means a general dentist may not specialize in implant dentistry.
One of the first things you need to consider is your unique and specific dental needs. This'll help you trim your list down of potential dentists to work with.
For starters, think about the current state of your teeth and gums. If they're in good health, then you may only need routine dental examinations and cleanings.
But you also need to consider your future needs. At some point, you may need restorative dental services, such as bridges or crowns.
Note that these require more knowledge and expertise. As such, you want to make sure your chosen dentist has what it takes to deliver them too.
The point is, you'd want to go with a Plano dentist who can cater to most, if not all of your needs. What you want is a dental home - a place you feel comfortable for regular and emergency visits.
At the same time, it should make access to as many dental services as convenient as possible.
2. Factor in Future Dental Improvements (AKA Cosmetic Services)
Almost four in 10 young U.S. adults find their lives "less satisfactory" due to poor oral health. 28% of them even admitted that the appearance of their teeth affects their job interviews!
If this is also true in your case, then you should consider looking for a Plano cosmetic dentist too. Cosmetic dentistry services include teeth whitening, veneers, and bonding.
They aim to improve the looks of your teeth and gums, helping you get your self-confidence back.
What's more, the best cosmetic dentist in Plano can also provide your general oral health care needs.
This means you can stick to one dentist for whatever it is your teeth and gums need.
3. Keep in Mind the Dental Office's Location and Availability
Once you've determined your dental health priorities, next up are the basics. Since regular visits are important for your oral health, consider the dentist's location.
Availability (AKA office hours) is also a crucial consideration.
The dentist's office should be easy to go to, whether from your home or workplace. Convenient office hours are also a must, especially if you have quite the hectic schedule.
The best dentists are also part of insurance networks. As such, it pays to check your dental insurance to see who can provide you insured services.
4. Seek Recommendations from Trusted Sources
By that, we mean your family members and close friends. If they're happy with their dentists, they won't have qualms making recommendations.
5. Find Out What Others Have to Say
What if you're new in town and don't have anyone to get local recommendations from? In this case, actual patient reviews are your next best source of insider information.
Today, it's easy to find these reviews thanks to the web. Of course, these comments can be positive testimonials. But they can also be complaints from unhappy, dissatisfied patients.
Either way, they're great insights that'll help trim your list of prospective dentists. They'll give you a much clearer picture of which dentists are highly-recommended. At the same time, you'll know from previous bad patient experience who you should avoid.
6. Ring Them Up
Before visiting the actual dental office, it's wise to first contact them by phone. This way, you can also find out if they're welcoming new patients. A phone call also gives you the opportunity to check out the dental office staff.
Do they seem friendly and approachable with questions? Take note of the hold time too, as well as the promptness of their response. If they sound like they're in a rush or they can't answer any of your questions, that may be a sign to move to your next prospect.
7. Give the Dentist a Visit
Set up an initial consultation and visit the dental office. Use this as your chance to survey the facilities and staff in person. Neatness, cleanliness, and organization are all qualities the best dental offices boast of.
Once you're face-to-face with the dentist, ask them about their treatment approaches. The best dentists are those who educate their patients, so take note of that.
They also place emphasis on prevention, which as you know, is better than cure. That said, it's a good idea to choose a dentist offering preventative dentistry. Besides, keeping teeth and gum diseases at bay is way cheaper than getting rid of them.
The Best Dentist in Plano Makes You Feel Comfortable and at Ease
The most important thing that makes for the best dentist in Plano is how comfortable they make you feel. This is especially true if you're one of the 30 to 40 million Americans with dental anxiety or fear. Bonus points if the dentist also offers sedation dentistry.
No matter how great you take care of your teeth and gums at home, you still need regular trips to the dentists. Let us help you achieve optimal oral health! Please feel free to connect with us so we can get started on improving your teeth and gum health.