Dentists – How to Choose a Dentist

When was the last time you saw your dentist? Better question: Do you even have a dentist? The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you have a checkup twice a year to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy and properly taken care of. However, it is not uncommon for people to forgo checkups for various reasons.

According to studies conducted by the American Association of Endodontists, more than 80 percent of Americans are afraid of the dentist. More than half of these people admit that their fear keeps them from seeing a dentist. Furthermore, five to 10 percent of Americans are so scared that they forgo dental treatment at all costs, often to the detriment of their oral and general health.

People also avoid seeing a dentist for financial reasons. Dental care is expensive and dental insurance does not always provide adequate coverage. Some people view dental care as a luxury that they cannot afford. This is ironic considering that avoiding treatment often results in long term problems that are more costly to treat.

Also, many people take their oral health for granted. A lack of motivation to care for the teeth and smile can translate to a costly lesson in health management.

The bottom line is that dental health is important. Failure to maintain good oral hygiene habits can result in serious dental problems that can be costly to treat. Even more alarming, common oral health conditions such as gum disease and abscesses have been linked with secondary general health conditions ranging from heart attack to stroke. The mouth is the gateway to your overall health, so it is important that you have a qualified professional working with you to help keep it looking and functioning properly.

Choosing a Dentist

Choosing a dentist can be a daunting task. From general and cosmetic dentists, to periodontists, endodontists, orthodontists and oral surgeons, finding the right dentist for you can be a challenge. Fortunately, the accessibility afforded through the Internet makes researching potential dentists considerably easier.

The ADA recognizes nine dental specialties, which include endodontics (root canals), orthodontics (braces), pedodontics (dentistry for children), periodontics (focusing on the gums and soft tissues) and prosthodontics (emphasizing crowns, bridges and full-mouth reconstructions). Contrary to popular misconception, there is no cosmetic dentistry specialty.

Many general dentists (DDS or DMD) perform treatments more commonly associated with specialties (such as implants, dentures, orthodontics, etc.); however, it should be noted that specialists undergo additional education and training, equipping them with greater expertise to perform certain procedures. General dentists can become certified with Invisalign or certain tooth implant products. While these solutions may be adequate for some patients, others may not be candidates, requiring more specialized care. More often than not, your dentist can provide a referral to a specialist when necessary. Otherwise, you can research online to find dental specialists practicing in your area. You can learn about the services they provide, their education and training, and even view before and after photos and testimonials from past patients.