(Source: Pixabay)
One of the most common fears among adults is visiting the dentist. Perhaps it’s the sound of the dentist’s tools or the smells inside the clinic. For some of us, we just don’t like being conscious when we’re being operated on.
So what does this mean if you need surgery? Or are suffering from almost insufferable pain?
It means that you still need to book an appointment whether you like it or not.
Fortunately, choosing the right clinic and dentist is often the difference between a comfortable operation and one filled with fear. Below you’ll find our best suggestions to make sure you find the right dentist for your dental surgery.
What Happens If You Choose the Wrong Dentist?
Let’s say you need an implant dentist. And you decide to go to your regular clinic where you have your annual check-up. Everything seems alright so far.
But when you consider that most dentists don’t have to go through any specific training to put in implants, you start to question your decision.
Most of the training dentists go through takes place in dental school. And this might be several years or decades later they’re trying to perform the procedure.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that your dentist can’t do it. Or that they’ll do a poor job. But it does mean that you might not get the highest level of quality and comfort.
Instead, it’s better to search for a dentist who has experience in the particular type of surgery you need – even if the clinic is in another town or city.
‘Shop Around’ For the Right Clinic and Dentist
If you want to buy a new jacket, would you buy the first one you saw or look around a few stores? Most people would shop around to find the right one.
The same goes for finding a dentist for your surgery. Different clinics specialize in different areas of dentistry, and it’s your job to find the one that will give the highest level of quality. The fastest way is to search online to find the clinics in your area.
You can then call the office and make an inquiry and ask about the particular type of surgery you need. Next, make a list of the most promising clinics, and book an appointment and have a chat with the dentist.
Before making any decisions, look at the dentists’ track record and see how often they perform that type of surgery.
Image by JOSEPH SHOHMELIAN from Pixabay
Make Sure You Do Your Research
Having dental surgery is a big commitment. More likely than not, you’re going to have several consultations with a specialist before you’re ready to move forward.
You might be discussing this with your current dentist or a specialist. If it’s your existing dentist, you should get an idea of if they’re the right person to do the surgery.
Regardless, don’t just take the words of the specialist at face value. You need to do your own research into the procedure to make sure you fully understand what will happen. Unless the surgery is urgent or causing you major pain or discomfort, you have some flexibility on when to have it. So this should give you more than enough time to get online, watch videos explaining the surgery and find resources at the library.
Ask the Right Questions
The biggest benefit of taking the time to understand the procedure is that you’re in a better position to choose the right dentist.
As mentioned above, not all dentists have to go through mandatory training. Many might not have performed the procedure for a long time.
Understanding the procedure allows you to ask the right questions to determine if the dentist is the right person for you. During your research, you could write a list of questions, including by general and specific, and listen carefully to how well the dentist responds to them.
If he/she can answer them confidently and make you feel at ease, this is a big sign that they’re the right person to do your surgery.
Don’t Underestimate the Clinic’s Latest Technology
Generally speaking, clinics with more high-tech equipment tend to attract the best dentists. This doesn’t necessarily have to relate to your dental surgery. But it can give you an idea of the level of quality you can expect.
Think of it this way. The top 1% of dentists have the choice of working anywhere in the country. So, would they rather practice in the clinic willing to invest millions in the latest tech or one with ten-year-old equipment?
How to Choose the Right Clinic
If you need to undergo major dental surgery, take the time to do your homework. Research the procedure, different clinics in your area and book an appointment with the dentist. Ask lots of questions, look at their track record and use the level of the latest tech as an indicator of the clinic’s quality.
About The Author:
Chris Hill is a soon-to-be dentist working his way through dental school. He writes in his spare time to teach the general public about dentistry and to try and make people feel less afraid of booking an appointment.
