Tips for Finding a Good Dental Practice

If you’ve recently moved to a new area or you’re unhappy with the service you’re receiving at your current dentist, then it’s time to find a new one. In 2017, it was revealed that 18% of Brits (almost 1 in 5) only visited the dentist when they had a problem with their teeth, meaning regular check-ups were not consistently attended. Good oral hygiene should be maintained through your daily routines and regular visits to the dentist, as doing so will help to prevent bad breath, gum disease and decay-always putting your teeth in good stead as you get older.

But, what steps should you take to find a good dental practice? In a helpful guide, this blog will run through some top tips for

Dentists near me: what to consider when finding the right dentist

Finding a new dentist is more than just choosing the first one you come across- doing a little bit of research will help you to find a practice that works around your lifestyle and is well equipped to your needs.

Location and opening hours

Convenience is an important factor to consider especially if you require regular check ups for ongoing dental problems. It’s a good idea to research dentists local to your home or workplace so you can get there easily, and that way you’ll be more likely to keep up with appointments. However, if you only require annual check ups, it may be better to opt for a dentist a little further away if you feel like you’ll be getting a better service. Also, make a note of their opening hours- for example, do they offer early morning or evening appointments to fit around your work schedule? You can also use the NHS website to find a list of local NHS dentists near you.

Services

As well as yearly check ups, you may require additional services such as teeth whitening and polishing- having everything under one roof will make life a lot easier. If you have children then you’ll want to look for a child-friendly practice. A family practice will have experts experienced in treating all ages, and those more comfortable working with children will create a positive experience for children and encourage good oral habits.

Recommendations

When searching for a good dentist asking for recommendations from your family, friends, neighbours and co-workers is a good place to start. Ask them about their experience, availability of appointments and relationship with their dentist. If you find a dentist that you’re interested in, doing a quick internet search may provide you with reviews from current and past patients. Although you should take some of these with a pinch of salt, if bad comments are consistently being written this may be a cause for concern.

Attitude and hygiene

If you decide to register yourself at your chosen dentist, your first appointment will help you gauge the professionalism of the practice. Your dentist should put you at ease and listen to any concerns you have about your teeth- that is their job after all! If you feel the overall hygiene of the treatment room is not up to scratch, or your dentist is not wearing gloves, you have the right to re-register at another practice at any time.

The process of registering at a dentist

Registering at a new dentist is a fairly simple process, but be aware that not all practices will have the capacity to take on new NHS patients and you may be put on a waiting list.

Once you are accepted you will need to complete the following steps:

●Filling in a registration form

●Arranging a dental check-up

During your initial check-up your dentist will:

●Ask about any ongoing problems

●Examine your teeth and gums

●Talk you through any treatment you may need

Common services in dental care practices

The most common reason to visit a dentist is for a check-up, and according to NHS guidelines to lower your risk of oral problems you should have dental check-ups once every 12-24 months.However those who are aware of ongoing problems with their teeth will need to go more often. But what other services are available at the dentist?

At Manor Road Dental Practice we are more than just a dentist. As well as a range of practical dentistry services we can also perform cosmetic procedures and facial aesthetics. Our trained and professional team will help to reduce the signs of ageing by choosing the best treatment for you including semi-permanent dermal fillers, cheek augmentations and 8-point lifts.

General check ups

There are several things that your dentist will look at when performing a check-up. Firstly, they will check for cavities, plaque and tartar. If left, plaque will harden and become tartar which cannot be removed by brushing and flossing; this can also lead to oral diseases. Secondly, your gums will be looked at to make sure you aren’t showing signs of gum-related diseases. Your dentist will finish up by cleaning and scaling your teeth which will flush out any plaque that you haven’t reached while brushing. At the end of your appointment your dentist may recommend dental products such as floss, toothpaste and mouthwash which are usually available to buy at the practice.

Braces and cosmetic dentistry

Having braces is now a common procedure for both children and adults. Depending on the kind of treatment you need, there are many options other than traditional train track braces; clear braces and aligners will provide the same result, but offer a less invasive and visible solution. For those glamorous pearly whites many people also opt for veneers or professional teeth whitening. To get rid of those day to day stains such as coffee and red wine, an expert teeth whitening service will give you back your smile without the use of bleach. Veneers,on the other hand, are thin layers of porcelain that cover your teeth, they create a clean and straight smile and can be applied as a full set or just on the front few teeth.

Dental emergencies

If you’re in need of an emergency dentist then it’s worth checking which local dentists offer this service. Whether you’ve chipped your tooth or your experiencing severe pain, don’t suffer in silence while you wait for the next available appointment.

Treatment

Those with ongoing dental problems such as tooth decay, or recurring tooth pain will need treatment. Your dentists may take an x-ray to help determine the problem and will follow up with an appropriate treatment for your issue. Common treatments include root canals, fillings, extractions, wisdom tooth removal.

Dental plans

Working with your dentist to create a dental plan allows you to plan your own and your family’s dental costs in advance. Most plans will cover consultations, fillings and other treatments you need such as extractions.

Manor Road Dental Practice: general and cosmetic dental care