Did you know that 36% of people in the United States experience a fear of going to the dentist?
While dental implants, braces fittings, and even routine cleanings can be a cause for incredible anxiety, the right dentist can make a difference in your entire patient experience, lessening your fear and assuring better oral health.
If you’re interested in making routine dental care a part of your life but need help figuring out how to get started, our curated list of what to look for in a New Orleans dentist can be your first step toward a healthier smile.
Ask the Right Questions
Every dental office has its own set of specialties, treatment options, accepted insurance providers, and payment plans that can accommodate your oral health needs.
Whether you’re interested in a biannual tooth cleaning, a dental implant consultation, an Invisalign® fitting, or anything in between, it helps to know what to expect from your dental office before your first visit.
This starts with asking the right questions, like:
- Do they provide the service you’re looking for?
- Do they take your insurance?
- Is their office close to your home?
- What is the cost of a routine checkup? Routine procedures (e.g., cavities)? Emergencies?
Once you’ve narrowed your choices by asking the baseline questions, you can start assessing your dental options based on the quality of their services, staff, and patient experience.
Qualities to Look for in a New Orleans Dental Office
Experienced and knowledgeable team
They may seem great on paper, and they’re answering all of your questions exactly how you’d hoped — but have you done research into your chosen dentist’s credentials?
To get a pulse on their experience, it helps to look up where your prospective dentist was educated, how long they’ve been practicing, if they’re a member of any high-caliber medical organizations like the American Dental Association (ADA), and what kind of work they do to keep their skills sharp.
What’s their practice philosophy? Have they ever had any malpractice suits brought against them? These are all things to consider when going to a new dentist.
High-quality care
At a minimum, your dentist should be committed to delivering top-notch medical care for your oral health, from diagnosis and treatment planning to follow-up care.
Ask the provider you’re considering if they use new technology and cutting-edge treatments that are more likely to be less invasive without sacrificing quality. No matter if it’s routine hygiene or surgery, you’ll want a dentist that provides the right level of expertise in their services to ensure you get the smile you’re hoping for.
Stellar customer service
At the heart of choosing a dentist in New Orleans is finding one that puts patient care first. Customer service can be a direct reflection of the quality of dentistry you receive, so it pays to determine ahead of time if your chosen dental office prioritizes your entire experience, from the moment you enter the waiting room to the time you leave.
Look for dentists who not only have well-trained, courteous, and compassionate staff on hand but also those who embody these qualities themselves and take the time to listen to and address your concerns.
Affordable care and payment options
Paying your dental bills doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, it shouldn’t be.
The right dentist for you will offer a variety of payment options to help make dental treatments accessible and manageable for all budgets — from insurance coverage to flexible financing solutions.
Affordability is key in the right dental office, but you should also pay attention to transparency. The dentist you choose should be able to clearly outline your financial options and answer any questions you may have, both timely and accurately.
Emergency service capabilities
Emergencies happen, whether it’s a dislodged tooth due to a sports mishappening or a mysterious toothache that persists.
While you can’t always expect the unexpected, one thing can be predictable: a dentist that is able to treat your oral health emergencies quickly and with care.
Many dental offices offer emergency dental care services to help you with everything from chipped teeth to soft tissue injuries. When assessing a dentist’s capabilities, be sure to locate one that can accommodate emergencies so that you can prevent permanent damage to your teeth.
Do Extra Research
Look at public reviews
Before you commit to putting your dental health in the hands of someone you’re just beginning to think might be a good fit, check out what other patients have said about them on common review sites, such as Yelp or Google Reviews. Other opinions may help you make a decision by getting a feel for what you can expect during your first visit.
Pay the office a visit
As a potential patient, you have every right to visit the office of your future care provider before you even make an appointment.
Researching a dentist’s website and review sites can go a long way, but sometimes, a visit to the stomping grounds of the provider can tell you all that you need to know.
During your visit, be sure to note if the office is clean and orderly, how you’re welcomed by staff, and how patients in the waiting room are treated.
Find Your Next Dentist in New Orleans Today
With our team of committed dental experts, Exceptional Dental makes dentistry affordable, high-quality, and customized to meet your unique needs, big and small.
Providing every service in-house, we’re proud to be the experts for dental implants in New Orleans and beyond. No matter the reason for your visit, we work together to bring you oral health solutions that meet your budget and goals at a time convenient for you.
Call us today or visit any of our Greater New Orleans locations in Mid-City, Kenner, Marrero (Ames Blvd), Marrero (Ave. G), Metairie, or Uptown to see firsthand the Exceptional Dental difference.