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Submitted by: Dr. George Hoop

Learning how to choose a dentist can really effect the health of your teeth. A good dentist does not jut focus on fixing dental problems, but on teaching you how to prevent them. Believe it or not, there are differences in dentists, so learn how to choose a good one.

1. Ask questions: ask your dentist how much extra schooling, refresher courses etc. your dentist has had. You have a right to know how up to date they are, afterall, they will be working on your mouth.

2. Ask your dentist what their philosophies are. What makes them decide to pull a tooth rather than do a root canal? When do they decide to do what, and why? You want to ensure that you are on the same page as them, and that the decisions they make for your mouth are the same you would make. You are not the expert, but it is still your mouth, so ask, ask, ask.

3. Determine if at the first appointment your dentist checks thoroughly for gum disease, decay, and the correct bite. A dentist should do a thorough initial exam at your first appointment. This exam will help determine your treatment plan and needs.

Exam includes using a periodontal probe to probe for six points on each tooth – three on the cheek side and three on the tongue side – to check for the depth of possible bone loss caused by gum disease. A depth of over three millimeters indicates areas of concern. As a follow-up, periodontal probing should be done again by the dental hygienist at every cleaning. Your exam should also include the use of the dental pic to look for decay. Also, at the first exam, the jaw and teeth relationship and the contact points in your bite should be checked by the dentist. This is important because over time, changes in your bite can cause stress and cracked teeth. So, each time you visit they should look at your bite and compare it to the previous one.

If your dentist does not check for potential problems, they can t take preventative measures, and this means more time and more pain, as well as more money from you.

4. During the initial exam does the dentist take the proper amount of x-rays for your individual case?

The amount of X-rays taken should be personalized for your individual case. The x-rays are necessary to make sure your mouth is examined for decay between each tooth, and to check for bone disease, cysts or any other type of pathology. If your dentist neglects to take these x-rays, or enough of them, they can not give you an accurate picture of the amount of work that you will need. Thus, they will not be able to set up an effective treatment plan. Part of choosing a dentist is knowing what they should be doing, and ensuring that they are. X-rays are essential. Have them explain to you what they see on the x-rays and what that means to you.

5. Does the dentist set up a treatment plan with you, or for you? Your dentist is going to take a look at your teeth, and determine what things need to be done to make them healthy, or keep them healthy. They will likely set up a treatment plan. You want to choose a dentist that does this with you, not for you. You want someone who will discuss the time each treatment will take, the cost, and how far apart they should be, then ask you what you want to do. They should prioritize the work, and allow you to make educated decisions regarding your mouth.

If you can find a dentist who does the above things well, you have chosen a good one, so stick with him or her until treatment is complete, and then revisit this dentist twice a year for cleanings and a check-up.

About the Author: Dr. George Hoop, DDS, is a leading dentist in Fort Myers, Florida. Dr. Hoop specializes in Fort Myers Smile Makeovers, Dental Implants and Sedation Dentistry .Visit us for more information

ftmyerssmilecenter.com

or call (239) 939-7299.

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