If you do not choose a dentist that is right for you, you will not be happy, and your oral health will suffer.

The following are some tips for how to choose a dentist:

1. What is the dentist's philosophy for performing dentistry?

Knowing their philosophy about General Dentist Nassau County is important to determining if their philosophy matches your own. You will want to ask very specific questions such as: What determines your choice of putting in a crown rather than a filling? What standards do you have in regard to pulling a tooth? When do you decide to refer a patient to a specialist? These are all questions you will want answered as the answer is significant to the amount of time you are at the dentist, how much you spend for dental work, as well as how your teeth feel. Your dentist should tell you why and how they make their decisions. A good dentist will explain problems and options in a way that you understand so you can take part in making decisions about your care together. So, make sure you choose a dentist that will explain their choices, and help you make decisions too.

2. Have you been treated with respect and concern?

You are a paying customer. Yes your dentist went to dental school, and yes they probably make a lot of money, but you are a person. You're not a tooth with a problem, you're a person with teeth. So, make sure you are treated as such. A good dentist will ask you questions about how you feel, if you need anything, what would make you more comfortable, and how they can help you overcome any fears or concerns you may have.

3. Does the dentist ask for a complete medical history?

Your detailed medical history will be important for many reasons including determining allergies and possible drug interactions or intolerances. So, to choose a dentist, always start by finding one that is interested in the big picture. They should not just be concerned with this or that tooth that is irritating you. They should be concerned with your whole mouth. And your whole mouth means your overall health as well. So, if your dentist does not ask for your medical history at your initial exam look for another dentist.

4. Does the dentist check thoroughly for gum disease, decay, and correct bite?

At your initial exam and every cleaning thereafter, your dentist should be checking your mouth for gum disease, decay, and the correct bite. If your dentist does not do this, that means they are only looking to treat problems not prevent them, and prevention should be key with all dentists. So, make sure they use a eriodontal probe to probe for six points on each tooth to check for the depth of possible bone loss caused by gum disease. Have them use a dental pic to look for decay. Also, be sure they check the jaw and teeth relationship and the contact points in your bite are checked by the dentist at each visit. Why? This is important because over time, changes in your bite can cause stress and cracked teeth, which is never a good thing.

5. Do you like your dentist?

Part of choosing a dentist is choosing one that you like. So, meet them before you go in for work. Determine if you would be comfortable having them in close quarters with you for an hour or two at a time. If the answer is no, find a new dentist.