Finding a new dentist best suited to meet your particular dental needs requires an introduction to the various fields of dentistry. The more you understand the differences between them, the more successful you will be in your search for the best dental practice in Michigan City.

Typically, the best place to start is with a family or general dentist. A general dentist is licensed to diagnose dental issues and oral conditions, develop treatment plans and provide certain treatments. When necessary, general dentists may refer you to a more specialized practitioner.

Dentists provide treatment with help from dental hygienists and dental assistants. A hygienist performs professional dental cleanings. A dental assistant may assist during a procedure, set up anesthesia, expose and develop radiographs or perform other general tasks at the dental practice in Michigan City.

12 Factors to Consider

1.Find out how long the practice has been in operation at its current location and in previous ones.
2.Ask about the extent of the dentist’s training and hands-on clinical experience in performing the specific procedure you may require.
3.If the dentist does not perform certain procedures, ask about his/her referral process.
4.Before committing yourself to a dental practice in Michigan City, identify all the procedure options that would solve your cosmetic dental concern. Then ask about the pros and cons of each option and why it may or may not be the right choice for you.
5.Ask about the types of professional dental societies or organizations the dentist participates in. Some societies require dentists to take continuing education classes to keep them up-to-date on the latest procedures and technological advances in the field.
6.Ask about the type of emergency care offered. For example, is the dentist reachable and available after normal business hours and on weekends?
7.Inquire about patient comforts, such as pre-medication or nitrous oxide, and comforts such as music or heating pads.
8.Ask about the use of dental lasers as an alternative to traditional dental tools such as tooth drilling and scalpels.
9.If your needs include cosmetic dentistry procedures, ask to see before-and-after photos of previous patients. Bring a photo of the result you would like to see or a picture of yourself before the need for cosmetic dentistry to help set a reasonable expectation for your procedure’s outcome.
10.Determine dental costs prior to treatment. Dental cost totals should include procedure fees, anesthesia fees, and facility fees. If you have dental insurance, chances are good that there will be some benefit coverage applicable to procedures such as professional cleanings and exams and amalgam fillings. Less coverage may be available for composite fillings – which have an enamel-like finish – and restorative dental work such as bridges, dentures and crowns. Coverage for orthodontia varies among dental insurance plans. Your out-of-pocket costs are typically discussed at the initial consultation.
11.Is the office located nearby? This could be important if your procedures require frequent or multiple visits.
12.Is the dental team friendly, courteous and comforting? You may not want to see a dentist long term if you don’t feel comfortable with his/her team.

Looking for the best dental practice in Michigan City? You’ve found it! Call our office today to schedule a consultation and we’ll be happy to answer these or any other questions you might have.