Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist

There are several things to consider as you try to find a cosmetic dentist who can improve your oral health and give you a radiant smile you have always wanted.

Qualifications

As you search for a dentist who can perform cosmetic surgery, it is important to research their credentials and areas of expertise. This information should be listed on the dental practice website, but you can also call to confirm the details.

Length of experience

It is also a good idea to find out how many years of experience a dentist has in their specialty and what their records are for the specific procedure you will be getting, including how many times they have performed the procedure and how many patients have experienced complications.

Access to advanced technology

You will want a cosmetic dentist to perform your surgery using the most up-to-date methods and technology, including a dental laser, chairside monitors, digital X-rays, and intraoral cameras. Using advanced technology can improve your oral health and reduce the pain from your procedure.

If you feel anxious about the procedure, ask for an anesthetic or sedative. Using anesthetic or sedatives will put you at ease and minimize discomfort and pain.

Review recommendations

Another way to research a cosmetic dentist you are considering is to read online reviews to see what past and current patients think of their provider. You may even be able to find reviews from people discussing their experience with the same procedure you want to have done. Many dentist offices post testimonials on their website. Still, they tend to only share positive reviews, so it is a good idea to check other sites like Google and Yelp that will be less biased in favor of a particular practice or dentist.

Office accessibility

Choosing a dental office near your home is important so that you will not have a long commute home, and any follow-up care you need will be easy to get. This is especially important if an emergency arises and you need to see the dentist quickly.

Appointment availability

Appointment availability goes hand-in-hand with office accessibility. You should not need to prolong your surgery due to scheduling issues and unavailability. A fully booked schedule indicates a popular practice that patients are happy with, but it can make getting an appointment difficult.

Consider the cost

Even if you have dental insurance, most dental insurance plans do not cover many cosmetic procedures. The cost for a particular procedure also varies by region and practice, so it is important to research the average cost of the procedure. You need to budget accordingly and ensure you do not overpay for services. Many cosmetic dentists offer financing options such as a credit card payment option, an installment payment option, or a third party payment option to help patients pay for their treatment.