Finding a dentist you trust is a big decision. We're here to help with these seven tips for choosing the best dentist in Salem, NH.
You just got back home from a weekend out at
Canobie Lake Park. Everyone had a great time and you are getting yourself in the right headspace to go back into the office on Monday. Just as you are about to head to bed you feel that familiar pain in the back of your jaw.
You know you will have to schedule a dentist appointment soon but you've been putting it off. Besides, how will you find the dentist in Salem that will meet your needs?
If you had the opportunity to find a dentist in Salem, NH, that helped you achieve optimal oral health, would you? We've compiled a few tips for choosing a dentist to help get you started.
1. Get Referrals From Family and Friends
According to the American Dental Association, there are
201,117 dentists currently working in the United States. Narrowing down that list will be easier when you reach out. One of the first steps to being partnered with a dentist you trust is to ask around.
Our family and friends are the people in our lives that we spend most of our time with. To assist with your Salem dentist search, ask them about their current situation. Don't forget your co-workers will also provide insight into a dentist in the area you might not have considered.
Ask them questions like: what do they like about their current dentist office? What type of specific services do they offer? What has your experience been like when going through a more complicated procedure?
When trying to find a dentist in Salem, asking a variety of questions will help narrow down your choice.
However, a simple but overlooked step is patient reviews. Patient reviews will give great insight into the dentist before you step foot into the office.
2. Ask About Experience
Education and experience are of utmost importance when it comes to safeguarding your oral health. A dentist with more experience is likely to provide you better results when it counts.
They should be happy to answer any and all questions you have about their experience. More than likely, their training and specialty is an aspect of their job they are most proud of.
Having a well-rounded outlook of their background will help you make the right choice.
3. Look For State-of-the-Art Equipment
Dentists will go above and beyond to ensure their patients receive the best dental care. That is why they stay up-to-date to ensure that clients get the most out of their visits. Ask questions about the equipment to gain insight into why it is needed.
Whether it is the latest in
Juvéderm fillers or dental implant procedures, the equipment they use to provide care will speak volumes.
4. Schedule a Consultation
This is one of the easiest ways you can experience the office before making an official appointment. Think of consultation as time for you two to interview one another.
During a consultation, you can formally discuss the future for your health. Mention that aching jaw pain and talk about your previous experiences. They will ease your worries and consider what the best plan of action is for your needs.
You'll also want to take a look around the office. Is it neat and tidy? Are the front-desk employees friendly?
The environment the moment you walk in plays a role in how the whole office functions. The attitudes of the workers and patients will tell a story. You will be able to determine if you want to be part of it.
5. Bring Your Dental Records
We all deserve a smile that we feel confident in. According to a study by Dentistry Today,
42 percent of people said their smile was the first thing they would change about themselves if given the chance. Bringing your dental records to the consultation will guarantee that happens.
It is one thing to just casually discuss future plans, it is another to have actual dental records to refer to. When you come equipped with all the necessary information the dentist will be able to lay out a future plan that is specific to you.
6. Take Notice of How You Feel
We've all heard the old adage trust your instincts. This is especially true when entering an office for the first time. Having to take a trip to the dentist may already be distressing, you don't want to add to it with a dentist you are uncertain about.
If you feel uncomfortable with the dentist it is bound to make the experience much worse. Tune in to how you are feeling when around them. Take note of how they are responding to your needs.
Looking for tips on how to overcome your fear before your appointment? You aren't alone. Dental phobia affects around
36% of the population.
7. Check the Office Hours
Having hours that work with your schedule is extremely important. Are you able to work a full day without having to skip out to a dentist appointment?
Maybe an office that has availability on Saturdays is important to you. Take this into consideration when you are planning to meet with your new dentist.
When it comes to emergency care, are you able to talk to the dentist directly so that you can get exactly what you need? Do they accommodate emergency care during after hours?
Knowing that you can count on your dentist in the time of need will put your mind at ease.
Choose the Dentist in Salem That Puts You First
With these tips, finding a dentist in Salem just got a whole lot easier. Our dentists bring more than 20 years of experience to the table. From dental implants to orthodontics, dentures, and Juvéderm treatments, we serve a variety of needs so that the entire family is covered.
Don't wait and
schedule an appointment with us today to get started down the road to excellent oral health.
