Trust – Look for a Trustworthy Professional

To ensure you find a trustworthy dentist in Boston, you might want to get a referral from a friend or coworker. Social media is good for this type of recommendation as well. Posting a simple request for suggestions from your neighborhood group, for example, can result in several testimonials about dentists that people use and trust.

Ability – Find Out How Good the Dentist Is at What They Do

With so many dentists in Boston from whom to choose, how can you tell which ones are truly good at what they do? Finding a dentist who listens to you is key. You want someone who hears your concerns and addresses each one at your visits. Sometimes they may address your concerns through education, which is another way you know a dentist is competent. Other times, dentists who actively listen to their patients make you feel like more than just a number. When your dentist takes time to get to know you, they are able to provide better care options for you in line with your medical history.

Things like respecting your time, keeping a clean office, and having a happy staff also show you that dentists care about their patients and employees. Be cautious of the dentist who recommends a lot of procedures, especially on your first visit, as well as one who is constantly trying to sell you things like fluoride toothpaste and nightguards that you haven’t asked for and which may not be necessary.

As with just about everything, convenience is of utmost importance. Consider both location to your home address and things such as the ease of parking and office location once you enter the building as factors that count toward making the final decision of which dentist in Boston you should choose.

Familiarize yourself with the average dental costs of biannual cleanings and typical procedures such as x-rays, fillings, and crowns. Compare the costs of the dentist in Boston you are considering with other local offices to see how they stack up next to each other. Choose an office that accepts your dental insurance, or in the case that you do not have dental insurance, find an office that works with its patients by offering “paid in full discounts” or no-interest payment plans determined by the patient and the office.

This is an important question and usually an easy answer to find by simply calling the office and asking the receptionist. You may also be able to find this information on the office’s website. If you are looking for a dentist in Boston for your entire family, don’t forget to inquire about their policy if you are in the process of expanding your family or switching dentists for other family members in the near future.

The length of time a dentist has been practicing at the same location is a good indicator of how successful the practice is, not only financially but also the degree of patient and staff satisfaction. A happy and loyal staff can make or break a dental team. Inquire how the staff feels about the practice when you’re in the process of making your decision. A positive response from the employees is a good sign that the practice is well established. This, coupled with an excellent reputation from local residents, can really help in your decision making.

If you are someone who fears the dentist, you are not alone. Don’t let your fear of the dentist prevent you from taking good care of your oral health. There are plenty of dentists who offer a wide variety of ways to keep you relaxed and comfortable while in their care. Ask the practice about laughing gas, oral sedation, and IV sedation. Discuss the options that are available with your dentist.

Laughing gas. Also known as nitrous oxide, laughing gas can relax patients during their dental procedures. It is a gas that wears off quickly once you stop inhaling it. Patients are usually allowed to drive themselves home after the procedure because they remain conscious while taking the gas. Patients like this type of sedation because it takes effect quickly, and the effects are very mild.

Oral sedation. Oral sedation is sometimes referred to as “conscious sedation.” With this type of relaxation technique, the patient takes an oral prescription sedative before the dental procedure. You are awake with this type of sedation, but it provides you with a significant effect of relaxation. Patients with high levels of anxiety benefit more from this option than just laughing gas. It’s required that you have a ride home from your procedure after taking oral sedation, and the effects will usually be worn off by the next day.

IV sedation. IV sedation is known as “twilight sedation.” The patient is conscious but extremely sleepy, making them not very aware of their surroundings. You can be awakened by the dentist if needed because you are not unconscious, but you may not have a recollection of the procedure during this type of sedation.

Almost all dentists in Boston can provide laughing gas and oral sedation in pill form, but not all are certified to provide IV or twilight sedation. Check the office’s web page or call to obtain information on available relaxation techniques.

Even if an office says it is accepting new patients, it’s important to find out when the staff can get you scheduled for your first appointment. It’s not unusual for a dentist in Boston to require an initial consultation for your first visit. Expect up to 30 to 60 days from the time you telephone for an appointment until your visit, depending on how flexible your schedule is. Anything beyond 60 days may indicate an extremely busy office or limited hours offered by the practice.

Most dentists in Boston have a policy in place for late arrivals or missed appointments. This information should be provided up front and agreed upon by the patient. Find out how to reschedule appointments if needed and request a reminder call for your upcoming appointment if you feel this service helps keep you on track.

If you’ve ever had a toothache, a crown that has fallen out, or you experience sore gums between cleanings, you know how important it is to have a dentist who offers some type of emergency dental care. Some offices offer extended hours on certain days and/or appointments on Saturdays to accommodate the patient’s needs. These services are perks to an overall great experience and should be considered when choosing your next dentist in Boston.

Definitely take time to visit the office of the dentist you choose before making a final decision. Take a look around. Is the office clean and orderly? Does it appear that the equipment is well taken care of and not out of date? Is the staff friendly and welcoming when you first meet? First impressions tell a lot about a practice. A quick visit should give you a good idea of the atmosphere of the practice and can provide you with that gut feeling of whether this office is what you are looking for.