7 Top Tips for Choosing a Family Dentist

Did you know that 26% of American adults have untreated tooth decay? Approximately 46% of adults over 30 are already showing signs of gum disease.

One of the biggest ways to prevent gum disease or other oral health issues is by regularly visiting a dentist. While it may be easy for adults to schedule a dental appointment, you may encounter a few challenges in finding a family dentist.

Compared to a general dentist, a family dentist works closely with children, adults, and the elderly. They are an excellent option if you have an expanding family and want an all-in-one dental clinic in Marion, Ohio.

If you keep reading on, you will learn more about the top seven tips to look for in a family dentist and how to get started with your next appointments!

1. Finding a "Dentist Near Me"

Location is essential when finding a local family dentist. Rather than go through tedious searches such as "dental bonding in Marion, Ohio," try pulling up local Google maps and narrow clinics within your search radius. Ultimately, finding a reputable clinic right in Marion, Ohio, can save you time and money from traveling to other cities for your family's dental care needs.

2. Family Dentistry Services

Before scheduling an appointment, ask a clinic about their family dentistry services. You want a clinic with comprehensive dental services that work for your entire family, such as:

• Dental crown
• Dental implants
• Dental bonding
• Dental veneers
• Teeth straightening (e.g., braces, Invisalign)
• Teeth whitening
• Dentures
• And more

Within these services, it is crucial that your family dentist is familiar with and uses advanced dentistry technology. For example, there are several types of veneers, including:

• Porcelain veneers
• Composite resin veneers

Composite dental veneers are often less expensive and can be installed in one visit. Contrarily, porcelain veneers can transform your smile and last for years to come, yet, they are often more expensive. Having a dentist with multiple options and experience can save you time and money from getting a second opinion.

Other advanced dentistry services may include treatments for sleep apnea or TMJ syndrome. Dental Botox is a treatment that can effectively relieve TMJ discomfort, reducing teeth grinding, teeth clenching, headaches, and more. Not every family dentist uses or specializes in all these dental care procedures, making it essential that you inquire beforehand.

3. Family Dental Care Qualifications

The best dentist for your family will have an up-to-date license and qualifications. While some dentists might further specialize in orthodontics or surgery, all must complete a four-year dental degree after their bachelor's.

If you are unsure about your dentist's experience or qualifications, don't hesitate to call the clinic and ask further questions. You can also inquire regarding how long a dentist has practiced for, when they opened this clinic, and their experience with diverse patient clientele.

4. Online Reviews

Reading a clinic's "about us" page, including online reviews and referrals, and provide you with excellent insight into the day-to-day tasks in the office. It can help put you at ease when you schedule a dental cleaning for your child or if you choose to have an intensive dental restorative procedure.

There are two simple ways you can go about this. First, you can perform a Google search for the clinic you have an interest in. Second, some clinics have reviews posted directly to their site or a link that you can view them at.

5. Insurance Coverage

Insurance coverage is a game-changer for many Americans seeking dental care. Since dental services fall under different coverage than standard medical insurance, you will need to ask your clinic about payment options. If you do not have dental insurance, some clinics may provide slight discounts for private pay or offer payment plans for more expensive procedures. At Advanced Smiles Marion, we offer a unique dental wellness plan that makes dental care affordable for those without insurance.

6. Dental Clinic Atmosphere

Dental care services are one piece of the puzzle, but a comfortable and inviting dental clinic atmosphere is the other. A good family dentist works with the very young, the very old, and everyone in between. You need a warm and inviting clinic to put your family members at ease, especially young children who may fear visiting the dentist.

However, young children are not the only ones at risk of anxiety when they visit a dentist. Nearly 75% of adults have a fear of visiting the dentist, primarily with the expectation that it will be painful.

The best route is to visit the clinic personally. If that isn't an option, you can visit the site and check out any videos or pictures of the dental clinic. Also, ask your dentist or hygienist how they adapt treatments or dental cleanings for kids or adults who may be uncomfortable visiting.

7. Advanced Dentistry Technology

Dental services are not complete without technology. Some of the technology that family dentists may use during cleanings or dental procedures include:

• Intraoral scanners
• Zoom teeth whitening
• Digital teeth impressions
• Panoramic X-rays
• X-ray sensors

These tools can make diagnosing and treating specific conditions easier for your family dentist. Additional tools like panoramic x-rays provide broader and more in-depth viewpoints of your facial structure that can assist dentists in aligning your teeth or jaw.

Find Your Next Family Dentist

A family dentist is a step beyond a general dentist, including experience working with children. When calling your general or family dental clinic, ask about their experience with pediatrics, as this can become a dealbreaker for your family.

You want a clinic with experience and communication skills working with various populations and ages. At Advanced Smiles Marion, we are located in the heart of Marion, Ohio, providing you with qualified family dentists for your entire family.

Don't put your family’s dental needs off any longer - contact us today and start getting scheduled for your next dental appointments!