Choosing the Best Dentist in St. Petersburg FL
If the thought of going to the dentist makes you nervous, you’re not alone. However, your dentist is your oral health partner. Routine dental examinations and treatment by your St. Petersburg FL dentist can help keep your teeth, mouth, and gums healthy and prevent dental disease. Furthermore, poor oral health can contribute to other health risks, such as cardiovascular disease. How do you go about choosing the best dentist in St. Petersburg FL for you? Here are some important considerations to bear in mind.
1. Obtain Referrals
Begin by compiling a list of potential dentists in St Pete. To do so, seek advice from family, friends, and other healthcare providers. Investigate the dentists’ credentials and experience on Healthgrades.com. As you narrow down your options, contact each dentist’s office and request a consultation appointment to meet and interview the dentist.
2. Examine the Dentist’s Credentials
When selecting a dentist, one of the most important factors to consider is board certification. It certifies that the dentist has the necessary training, skills, and experience to provide general dentistry care. Also, ensure that the dentist has no prior malpractice claims or disciplinary actions.
3.Think about the Dentist’s Experience
When it comes to oral health, experience counts. The more experience a dentist has with a condition or procedure, the better the outcome. Additional education is required for dental specialties such as orthodontics and endodontics. Inquire about the dentist’s experience treating patients with your specific condition. If you have dental anxiety, speak with your dentist about successful approaches he or she has used with other anxious patients. If you know you need a specific procedure, find out how many the dentist has performed and learn about complication rates—both the complications the dentist has encountered and your own risk of complications.
4. Capabilities of the best dentist in St. Petersburg FL
Dentists can use telecommunications technology, such as two-way video, smartphones, and email, to diagnose and treat some patients; this is known as telehealth explains the best dental camera manufacturer, Digital Doc. Inquire if the dentist provides telehealth services. Telehealth does not replace hands-on in-person office visits, but it does mean fewer trips to the dentist for many patients. Some conditions can be managed by sending symptoms and vital signs collected at home, as well as having a “virtual visit” with your provider. Telehealth is also useful for routine check-ups and minor complaints, making it a convenient option. Check to see if your health insurance covers telehealth services.
5. Assess Communication Style
Choose a dentist with whom you feel at ease talking and who understands your information needs. When you meet the dentist for the first time, ask a question and observe how he or she responds. Is he or she open to your questions and does he or she respond in a way that you can understand? Did you feel rushed or engaged when you left? Choose a St Petersburg dentist who is interested in getting to know you, will take your treatment preferences into account, and will respect your decision-making process.
7. Examine Patient Feedback
Reading what other people have to say about a dentist can give you an idea of how he or she practices general dentistry and runs his or her dental practice. Patient reviews typically reflect people’s experiences with scheduling appointments, wait times, the office environment, and the friendliness of the office staff. You can find out how well patients trust the dentist, how much time he or she spends with patients, and how well he or she answers questions.
Have you decided that 4th Street Family Dentistry is the right place for you? Contact us to schedule your appointment!