How to Evaluate a Dentist

Finding a dentist you really feel comfortable with can be a challenge. Much like any other medical professional, you want your dentist not only to be friendly and abiding, but also to be knowledgeable and skilled.

You’ve already done the footwork. You’ve asked around for recommendations, searched the internet for reviews, and sat down for an interview with your current dentist. You’ve had a few appointments with them, or maybe you’ve even been under their care for quite some time now. However, you still wonder, how can you really be sure that they’re doing the job correctly?

If you’re curious about the quality of your family and cosmetic dentistry in Houston, TX, there are a few qualities you can look for. If you find that your dentist is failing in one or more of these areas, it may be time to move on.

Frequency of Visits

A good dentist will care about your health and well-being. This means that he or she will have you schedule a check-up and the end of each appointment. This is a sign that your dentist not only wants to make time for you, but also wants to make sure you’re still in good shape in six months’ time.

Another reason for a dentist to urge you to schedule regular check-ups is that if you’re having any kind of oral problem, they can discover it early. This could potentially save you from an expensive or invasive procedure town the road.

If your complete family dentistry in Houston, TX, does not attempt to schedule a follow-up appointment with you before you leave the office, it may be time to move on.

Longevity of Work

Fillings are a long-term investment. This means is that they should last no less than 12 years. If you notice you constantly have to replace the fillings your dentist performs as a result of them falling out, then it may be time for a new dentist.

Additionally, be aware of the dentist who uses temporary fillings for everything. The purposes of temporary fillings are few and far between, and there’s no reason your dentist should be using them for a run-of-the-mill cavity. Tooth enamel is the second hardest substance in the world, meaning that fillings should not easily break or sustain damage.

Extractions

Anytime your dentist wants to pull a tooth, make sure it’s absolutely necessary. If you have your suspicions, get a second opinion. Once your tooth is out, it’s out. Unless it’s your wisdom tooth, you will need a prosthetic replacement, which is an expensive alternative to fixing the problem.

Even though at the time pulling your tooth may sound cheaper than a procedure, extraction does not account for the cost of the replacement. This means that you’ll be left with a hole in your mouth unless you pay for the cosmetic procedure, which may not be covered by insurance.

If you’re concerned about the quality of your family dentist in Houston, TX, consider these factors. If your family cosmetic dentistry does not meet these basic standards, it’s time to find a new dentist.