No one loves going to the dentist, but doing the work to find the best one for you will help to make the experience a much more pleasant one. In addition to finding one that has a good reputation and years of experience, there are some other criteria you may want to consider as well.
Friendly Front Desk Staff
The people who make your appointments and great you when you arrive are the first impressions you will have of a Gainesville dentist and his office. A staff that is smiling and welcoming will go a long way to making you feel better about the whole experience from the moment you book your visit and step into the door.
Services Offered
Dental offices can vary greatly in what they offer, and it’s frustrating when you find one that you really like, only to find out their services are limited. The types of procedures that can be offered generally fall under the following three categories:
- Preventative: Virtually all dentists will offer checkups and cleanings.
- Restorative: Besides fillings, this category includes implants, crowns, bridges, orthodontics, gum disease treatment, and more.
- Cosmetic: Veneers and teeth whitening are just two of the services that can fall under this category.
However, a dentist may also be able to help you with such jaw issues such as TMJ disorders, as well as sleep apnea.
Dentist Attitude
If you suffer from anxiety surrounding going to the dentist, it can keep your from getting the check-ups you need to prevent any problems or to fix them before they become serious. In addition to the friendliness of the front desk, you want a dentist that you feel comfortable with, that will be patient and not rush you through your appointment.
Sedation Options
While the front desk and dentist’s attitudes will make a big difference in your comfort level, take a look at what options the office has for helping you to receive your treatment in a more relaxed way. In addition to nitrous oxide, some dentists offer additional options to calm your nerves, including oral medication and neuromuscular techniques.
Technology Used
There have been many advances in the technology used to support dental services, and they are geared not only toward improving the results of services but also to make them more comfortable for the patient. Look for an office that keeps up with the latest dental techniques to get the best outcome with the least discomfort.
Testimonials
While it’s not likely that a dentist will share bad testimonials, you can still tell a lot from the ones that are on the official website. If they include video testimonials, that’s even better as you’ll be able to hear the patients’ enthusiasm in their voices.
The right dentist can change your dental visit from something that you dread to a pleasant experience where you feel that you’ve got someone genuinely interested not only in your dental health but your overall wellbeing. It’s worth taking the time to find someone who will be as invested in your smile as you are.
