How Should You Choose A Restorative Dentistry Practice?
Do you need a new dentist? Before you choose a practice, take a look at the questions that can help you to find the best professional for your oral health and restorative dentistry needs.
Who Will Go To the Dentist?
Are you searching for your own dentist—or do you need a new practice for your child, parents, spouse, or all of the above? If you are the only person in your family who needs a new dentist or you are one-half of an adult couple, you could choose a family or adult practitioner dentist. Likewise, seniors can also visit these types of dentists. But if you have children, a family dentist is the better option.
Do You Need To Find A Specialist?
While a general practitioner or family dentist can provide routine dental cleanings, screenings, and some restorative services (such as fillings), restorative dental care may require a specialist. Endodontic treatments—such as root canals, implants, gum surgery, tooth extractions, orthodonture, and some cosmetic procedures—may require a specialized dentist who has additional training, experience, and certification. Likewise, a full arch restoration, full mouth rehabilitation, and other similar restoration types of procedures will require a specialist.
Some patients may also need a specialized practitioner who treats specific populations. These include pediatric or geriatric patients.
Will You Use Dental Insurance?
Like medical insurance, dental insurance can help to pay exam and procedure-related expenses. But this doesn't mean a dental plan will cover 100 percent of the costs or every service you may need (even if the dentist says it's medically necessary).
If you have dental insurance, make sure the dentist is an in-network provider and accepts your coverage before you make an appointment. Along with asking the dental practice's office or billing staff about your plan, you may also need to contact your insurance company for verification. Your insurer can also provide you with a list of covered services, the dollar amount or percentage your plan covers for these services, co-pays, and deductibles.
Some plans may allow you to see an out-of-network provider. But this could come at a higher cost. Instead of paying the full plan benefit, your insurer may only pay a fraction of the price. If you need potentially expensive restorations, such as a crown or an implant (full-mouth or individual), you may have significant out-of-pocket expenses.
When Will You Go To the Dentist?
The answer to this question should take several different factors into consideration. Not only do you need a dentist who has appointments that fit into your busy schedule, but you also need to find a practice that has openings within a reasonable period of time. While purely cosmetic restorations can wait, restorative dental care for injuries, infections, or deep decay can't. This means you would need to find a dentist who has immediate openings in their schedule.
Contact a local dentist to learn more about restorative dental care.