Looking for a Santa Cruz Dentist?

5 Tips for Choosing the Right Santa Cruz Dentist

All dentists have gone to dental school, but that doesn’t mean that they are all the same. Different dentists may offer different services, so when you are looking for the right Santa Cruz dentist for you and your family, follow these five tips.

1.) Look at Who They Treat

When looking for the perfect Santa Cruz dentist for you, look at who the provider treats. This is especially important if you have kids or aging parents that you are caring for. It can be very inconvenient and time-consuming go to three different dentists: one for you, one for your child and one for your elderly parents. Many general dentists, however, treat patients of any age. They have the training to care for your child’s teeth as soon as they begin to erupt, and they have the ability to help elderly patients with their specialized concerns, such as dry mouth and tooth loss.

2.) Ask if They Offer Cosmetic Services

You don’t want to find a dentist who only offers cosmetic services or puts beauty before health, but it is a good idea to choose a dentist who does offer cosmetic services. A good general dentist focuses first on health but can also provide you with the cosmetic services you want to have a beautiful smile. A general dentist with the right training can give you the amazing smile that you want. For example, at Landmark Dental Group, you can get services such as veneers, crowns, tooth whitening and even dental implants without having to go see an expensive cosmetic dentist.

3.) Determine if You Will Need to See a Specialist

If you’ve ever needed more than a typical cleaning or filling, you may have been sent to a specialist. Many dentists don’t have the experience to provide certain services, such as root canal therapy, so they must send their patients to someone else. This means that you must go see a dentist that you don’t know and aren’t comfortable with, which can increase anxiety. However, some general dentists do have training in services such as root canal therapy, so you won’t have to go somewhere else.

4.) Inquire About Sedation Dentistry

Most people don’t love going to the dentist. The thought alone can cause stress levels to rise in many patients. Luckily, sedation dentistry is available. With inhalation, oral or IV conscious sedation, you can relax at your dental visit and forget much of the treatment. When looking for your perfect dentist, find out if they offer sedation dentistry, especially if you suffer from anxiety when going to the dentist.

5.) Check Their Education and Training

Having a dentist who can provide many types of treatments is great, but it’s important to find out if they actually have the education and training to provide those treatments. If your dentist offers dental implants, ensure they have taken continuing education courses in providing dental implants. Landmark Dental Group offers sedation dentistry, cosmetic procedures and root canals, but the doctors have taken courses in these services, so you know you can trust the procedures.

Your oral care is important, so don’t just choose a dentist without doing your research. Ensure they have the training and experience to provide most of what you and your family need. For more information, contact Landmark Dental Group today.