Are you suffering from gum disease, or have you recently lost a tooth? Maybe you are searching for an experienced dentist who can ensure your teeth are well looked after. Dentistry has an ever-growing list of specialties, so it’s essential to do your research before choosing a local dentist.

Here are things to check for when selecting the local dental practice near you.

Check Out the Dentist’s Credentials

It is essential to check that your potential dentist has the correct qualifications. As a minimum credential, dentists must hold an undergraduate degree in dental science. Furthermore, they must complete a minimum of 5 years’ study to obtain an RCS fellowship. The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) manages all dental degrees, but you should also check with the Australian Dental Association (ADA).

However, the degrees are non-compulsory. So many hold other accreditations in specialties such as orthodontics or periodontics.

Look For Specialised Training

Specialists with additional training may be more beneficial for your dental needs.

You should look for a general dentist who has undertaken postgraduate training in specialized areas. It can be periodontics, oral surgery, orthodontics, and pediatric dentistry.

Some common unique dental treatments include:

Implants: These advanced replacements for missing teeth are designed to look and function just like your original teeth. An impression of the jaw is taken, and a surgical procedure is used to secure an implant into place. Bone grafting or sinus lifts are required before implants can be fitted.

Root canal treatment removes a tooth’s infected pulp (nerve) and fills or seals the canals.

Routine check-ups: Visiting your dentist every six months is essential to maintaining good oral health and catching problems early on. Regular dental examinations involve teeth cleaning, x-rays, and discussions about your brushing techniques.

Is The Practice Up to Date?

You should look for the local dental practice that has modernized its equipment and facilities.

Some examples of the new technology include:

-Dental chair with high back and footrests to provide patients with extra comfort and support during treatment.

-Digital x-rays: This alternative to standard radiography uses digital scans instead of film to create high-quality images for dental tests.

-Intraoral camera: During treatment, an intraoral camera can take video or still images of your mouth to help the dentist identify any problems with your teeth and gums.

-Laser dentistry: This advanced technology is used during tooth whitening, dental surgery, and tissue regeneration.

For Emergency Dental Care

A dentist available for after-hours appointments and emergency services is optimal if you have a tight schedule.

An emergency dentist may be needed if your tooth becomes cracked or broken due to trauma, such as sports injuries or car accidents. You need immediate treatment by an experienced specialist to prevent the spread of infection and further damage to your teeth and jaw.

Special Children’s Dentists

You must make sure your dentist has experience in treating children.

Common childhood dental problems include delayed teething, thumb sucking, and mouth breathing.

Visiting a child-friendly specialist will make your child more relaxed during future visits to the dentist. You should also look for an experienced pediatrician with specialized training in oral health.

Final Words

Ensure the dentist and dental practice you choose is conveniently located and offers modern equipment and facilities. You can ask friends for referrals to find a local dentist who has received consistently positive feedback from patients.

You can look online for patient reviews of dentists in your area.