FIVE WAYS TO FIND A “NO-PAIN” DENTIST
If you’re one of those people who fear dentists, scheduling an appointment for even a regular checkup may be a traumatic experience. The thought of facing the drill can cause some people to stay away from dentists altogether. There are, however, several proven methods of finding a good, “pain-free” dentist. Here are five keys to finding such a dentist:
1) Preventive Dentistry— the type of preventive screenings a dentist performs on your initial visit can tell you a lot about that dentist— good and bad. The four kinds of screening you should expect from a good dentist during your first visit include an oral cancer screening, a screening for jaw disorders, a periodontal screening for gum disease, and a tooth by tooth screening to find out if you have any visible cavities or any fillings that are about to fall out. A good dentist will also supplement your first visit with a full set of x-rays. You can find out if a dentist is prevention-minded by asking, before your first visit, if the four basic screenings will be performed. Also find out if the dentist takes proper care to prevent the passing of serious contagious diseases from one patient to another. The dentist and the staff should always wear protective gloves and masks during a patient’s treatment.
2) Listening— besides being dedicated to preventive screenings and practices a good dentist also needs to be a good listener. The dentist should listen to the patient’s concerns and find out exactly what a patient needs. On the first visit, a good dentist will allow a new patient to talk while he/she listens. You should be able to express your exact wants and needs before the dentist ever looks inside your mouth.
3) Sensitivity— you should be able to tell a dentist, on the first visit, not only about your dental history, but about any unpleasant or painful dental experiences you’ve had. A good dentist will be sensitive to any fears you have about pain and be exta-careful to be as gentle as possible. A good dentist is one who is understanding and caring— aware of the patient’s fears. If a patient is in pain during treatment he should be able to alert the dentist with a mutually agreed upon signal for the dentist to stop.
4) Communication— a good dentist will tell the patient exactly what he/she is going to do, including the risks and benefits involved, how long the treatment will last, and how much the procedure will cost. The dentist should also tell you about treatment alternatives. If, upon your first visit to a dentist, you are unable to get such information, or the dentist doesn’t seem interested in helping you make an informed decision about your dental care, find another dentist.
5) Respect— another characteristic of a good dentist is a respectful attitude toward your needs. This respect should be shown by being aware that your time is valuable too. Unless there is an emergency, you shouldn’t be made to wait a long time in a dentist’s waiting room. The dentist should also be available for any follow-up treatment or emergencies that need immediate attention. And, the dentist should have a clean, friendly office with hours that fit your personal schedule.
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