There are currently over 182,400 dental offices and 955,496 dentists in the US. When you’re on the hunt for a single dentist in Highlands Ranch, CO, that can seem overwhelming. Instead, it helps to know what to look for during your search.
Here are seven tips that can help you search for a dentist for your next tooth filling appointment.
With these tips, you can find a dentist you trust. You won’t have to worry about dental anxiety with a new dentist. Instead, you’ll have peace of mind knowing they have the experience and expertise you need.
Start your search before scheduling your tooth filling appointment with these tips today.
1. Consider Their Credentials
As you search for a dentist in Highlands Ranch, focus on looking for someone with experience and expertise. Choosing someone with the right education can help you find peace of mind. Otherwise, you might not feel confident about their abilities.
Look for a dentist who has the proper education and hands-on training, first. Did they graduate from an accredited dental school? How long ago did they receive training?
During your search, focus on dentists who prioritize continued education.
New technologies are available every year. Meanwhile, techniques adapt and change with patient safety in mind. Choose a dentist who understands the importance of expanding what they already know.
See if any of the dentists in Highlands Ranch offer new techniques to their patients. Are they using the latest technologies in their offices? Have they updated their treatments in the past 10 years?
Do they receive additional training? Does the dentist encourage other employees to continue their training, too?
Ask your dentist for proof of their credentials and board certification before scheduling your first appointment.
2. Look for Experience
Once you find an educated dentist, take a look at how much hands-on experience they’ve gained over the years.
How long have they worked as a dentist? How long have they had a dental practice in Highlands Ranch? Most patients prefer choosing a dentist who has worked in the industry for more than a few years.
Are you asking yourself, “Do I need a filling?” Make sure to look for a dentist who has plenty of experience with fillings, too. You don’t want to end up with someone fresh out of dental school.
Take a look at the dentist’s website. You can read their biography to learn more about their experience. If their website doesn’t have a biography, call to schedule a consultation.
Ask the dentist if they participate in any organizations. Do they communicate with other dentists across the country? Have they published research or won any accolades over the years?
Learn more about their experience and how they’ve expanded their experience beyond office hours.
3. Explore Their Services
Oral diseases affect approximately 3.5 billion people. Dentists provide a range of services to help their patients, including fillings.
Talk to each dentist on your list about your concerns. Ask questions such as:
- How do I know when to get a filling?
- What signs of a cavity should I look out for?
- Do I have a cavity now, or am I at risk of developing one in the future?
Take the time to explore the other services your dentist offers, too. While you might choose a dentist after noticing the common signs of a cavity, annual appointments are important.
What other services does each dentist in Highlands Ranch offer?
For example, you might want to look for someone who offers family dentistry services if you have kids. If you’re concerned about the appearance of your smile, consider cosmetic dentistry services. You might need restorative dentistry if you’re missing teeth.
More specific dental services include:
- Dental exams
- Teeth cleaning
- Metal-free fillings
- Same-day crowns
- Gum (periodontal) disease treatment
- Scaling and root planing
- Teeth whitening
- Porcelain veneers
- Invisible braces
- Dental bonding
- Dentures
- Dental bridges
You never know what services you might need. Choosing a dentist with well-rounded services can help you prepare for anything. While on their website, look for before and after photos, too.
Before and after photos can help you learn more about the dentist’s services.
4. Check the Price
Schedule a consultation appointment to learn more about the dentist’s prices. How do they accept payments for treatments? Do they accept your current dental insurance?
You might want to prioritize finding someone in-network with your insurance plan. If you find a dentist who isn’t in your plan, continue your search.
5. Review Their Online Reputation
You can learn more about a dentist’s abilities by reading reviews from their patients. Check their website for a Testimonials page. Reading reviews can help you determine if patients trust and like the dentist.
You can learn from their experience before making your own choice.
If they don’t have a Testimonials page on their website, check their Google My Business and Better Business Bureau listings. These pages allow patients to post their own reviews.
It’s normal to find a negative review among a bunch of positive ones. Read a few different reviews to get a well-rounded picture.
6. Consider the Commute
How far away is the dentist’s office from your home or work? During your search, make sure to choose a dentist in Highlands Ranch at a nearby location. Otherwise, you could waste valuable time with a lengthy drive.
During your consultation appointment, consider the area. Is there space to park? Do you feel safe there?
If the dentist’s office doesn’t suit your commute or needs, continue your search.
7. Make Sure You’re Comfortable
A consultation appointment can help you make sure you’re choosing a dentist you’re comfortable around. Take the time to ask your questions. If you couldn’t find information during your search, a consultation appointment can fill in the gaps.
Does the dentist communicate well? Do they answer your questions in a way that’s easy to understand?
If you’re uncomfortable with them, visit the next dentist on your list.
Filling In: 7 Tips For Finding a Dentist in Highlands Ranch
Ready to find a dentist in Highlands Ranch for your tooth filling appointment? Keep these seven tips in mind. With these tips, you can find an experienced dentist you can rely on.
You don’t have to wait to get the help you need! If you recognize the signs of a cavity, schedule an appointment right away.
Contact us today to get started.