Questions to Ask When Choosing a Family Dentist in Valparaiso
Choosing practitioners to care for your family’s health is very important and can be overwhelming. How do you know which one is the right fit? Smiles of Valparaiso & Associates wants to take the guesswork out of choosing your dentist. We welcome patients of all ages to our practice and look forward to building a relationship with you and your family that will last a lifetime. Here a few questions to consider when choosing your family dentist in Valparaiso.
How Long Has Your Prospective Dentist Been in Practice?
It’s nice to work with a team that is well established within your community. Remember, the longer your dentist has been practicing the more experience they have. It’s also a good idea to ask the staff members how long they’ve been with the practice as well. When staff members are happy with the office they work in they tend to stick around longer.
If you’re looking for a family dentist, you may want to visit the office yourself first to see if it feels comfortable and inviting for children. It saves you time and stress, in the long run, to be able to have your entire family see the same dentist, rather than having to take your children elsewhere for their services. Ask the dentist and staff what types of services they offer for children and how many the children they typically see at the practice.
Are There Options Available for Fearful Patients?
If you or a loved one suffers from dental fear or anxiety it’s a good idea to ask your dentist if there are any options for sedation dentistry. Many dentists will offer a mild sedative so patients can relax comfortably while they have their treatment completed. This option has helped many patients complete the necessary treatment that never would’ve been able to have before.
What Types of Restorative and Cosmetic Services Are Available?
Ask your practitioner what types of dental materials he or she uses? For example, do they offer tooth-colored crowns and fillings as opposed to metal or amalgam used in the past? Composite resin fillings and porcelain crowns are much safer, more durable, and more natural-looking than the metal of the past.
If you’re thinking of changing the appearance of your smile, ask your dentist what types of cosmetic services they offer. Most dentists will have a consultation with you to discuss your goals for your smile, and explain the different treatments they offer. Ask to see a portfolio of before and after cases, your dentist has performed so you can see if their skills fit your needs.
At Smiles of Valparaiso & Associates, our goal is to make every visit to our office an exceptional experience. We pride ourselves on offering the latest dental technology so your treatment will be comfortable and efficient. We enjoy working with children and we understand how important those early dental visits are in creating a lifetime of optimum oral health. If you’re looking for a family dentist in Valparaiso, give us a call today to learn more about how we’re different!