Whether you’ve recently moved to St. Augustine or are just looking for a better fit, choosing a new dentist can be a daunting task. If you’re feeling overwhelmed at the thought of it, take a step back and consider what is most important to you when it comes to your dental care. Form a list of questions based on the information you’ll need to make an informed decision…here are several to consider if you need help getting started:
Do you accept my insurance?
This is obviously very important to know before you begin treatment with a dentist. Regular cleanings, x-rays, procedures, emergency dental care, and more will be part of your oral healthcare regimen, so it’s crucial to ensure your insurance will cover the services you need.
What emergency dental services do you offer?
Hopefully you’ll never need it, but just in case you do…this is an important question to ask. Don’t wait until you’re in the middle of a traumatic situation – not only should you know what type of emergency care is available, but you should ask how to get in touch with someone, what the hours are, and how quickly they usually work a patient in for emergency care.
Do you offer sedation dentistry if needed?
You may have had a bad experience in the past, or perhaps you just have some anxiety when it comes to seeing the dentist. Either way, it’s good to know from the start what the options are when it comes to sedation.
Do you offer cosmetic dentistry? If so, what services are available?
Cosmetic dentistry envelopes a wide range of treatments and procedures. Just because you may not need it now does not mean you won’t need it in the future. The aging process takes a significant toll on your teeth, not to mention the environmental stress that wears on them by the things we eat, drink, and crunch. It’s important to know if your dentist will be able to fix an unexpected chip in your front tooth or professionally whiten your teeth when years of drinking coffee finally takes its toll on your pearly whites.
Is this a family-friendly practice?
If you have children, this is a big one – choosing a dentist that can treat the whole family can save you a lot of time and hassle. When you have kids to load in the car, snacks to pack, and little ones to entertain, why not make one appointment and get it over with all at once? Bonus: A family practice will have a dentist who is skilled at working with you as well as your kids, building good dental hygiene habits that will last them a lifetime.
Preparation is key when searching for a new dentist – and knowing the right questions to ask is a huge part of being prepared. While the questions above are a great start, don’t hold back. Really think about what matters most to you and be sure to do your due diligence when choosing the person who will care for your oral health. If you live in the St. Augustine area, you’re in luck – call Dental Remedies today for an appointment with a capable, caring dentist who offers a wide variety of services for you and your family.
Call 904-440-0200 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.