Are you looking for a new dentist in Mount Vernon NY? Ensure you choose the perfect one by asking these 5 crucial questions.
Are your teeth beginning to hurt or become discolored? Is it time for you to find a dentist in Mount Vernon NY?
Regular
dental cleanings mean you'll be detecting cavities early, catching gum disease before it's too late, and protecting your overall health. Yet not every Mount Vernon NY dentist is the same. You'll want to make sure you're getting a quality professional who will look out for your long-term dental well-being.
Here are some important questions to ask your dentist.
1. Do You Take My Insurance?
Many dental insurance plans cover two routine cleanings each year. They may also pay for treatments such as fillings and X-rays. Dental insurance plans may also cover at least part of the cost of things like implants, root canals, and extractions depending upon your plan and the reason you require the treatments.
Before choosing a dentist, you'll want to know that they take your dental insurance plan. If they don't take your plan or you don't have insurance, you may want to ask about payment plans. These allow you to pay your treatments off a little each month so they fit more comfortably into your budget.
Another option if you don't have a dental insurance plan is to ask your employer about a
Health Savings Account (HSA.) These allow you to put aside a certain amount of tax-sheltered money every month. You can use these funds to pay for dental bills, vision care, and co-pays.
If your employer doesn't have an HSA available, you can find out about Flexible Spending Account (FSA.) Like an HSA, an FSA allows you to put aside a certain amount of tax-protected money each month that you can use for health-related expenses. This means you'll be keeping more of what you earn each paycheck.
Unlike an HSA, however, an FSA is owned by your employer rather than you. With an HSA, you're allowed to roll over any funds you have leftover from year to year.
2. What Is Your Experience Like?
The right dentist for you will have years of experience treating patients in your area. Ask your dentist about common problems they see and how they generally treat them.
A dentist's website can also give you some insight. For example, you may discover that your dentist specializes in cosmetic dentistry,
emergency care, or Invisalign. A dentist who has had time to develop areas of expertise likely has years of experience treating patients just like you.
If you haven't been to the dentist in a while, make sure your dentist can put you at ease. Ask them how many patients they've seen who haven't been to the dentist in years, and how they deal with anxious patients. The right dentist will let you know that your visit will be no surprise to them.
3. Can You Supply Some References?
The right dentist will be able to give you a list of former patients who were happy with their treatments. Don't be afraid to ask them questions.
Was the dentist friendly and professional? Were there any special issues that needed to be treated? Were there any unexpected costs along the way?
Once you've got some references, you can go online and read reviews of your dentist. A pattern of similar negative comments can alert you to a dentist you may want to steer clear of. However, many positive comments can assure you that you're making a good decision.
4. How Do You Treat Patients With Special Conditions?
Certain conditions may require special treatment from your dentist. For example, patients with autoimmune disease, cancer, or Alzheimer's may require a different approach. The right dentist will understand these factors as well as the right ways to approach these patients.
Some patients suffer from a dental phobia that can make them particularly difficult to treat. They may require anti-anxiety drugs, laughing gas, or even general anesthesia to calm their nerves.
If you have any special conditions your dentist should be aware of, make sure you talk about the problem and potential solutions before making an appointment.
5. What Are Your Qualifications?
In order to become a dentist, a professional will need four years of undergraduate work, as well as four years to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or
Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM.)
In addition, your dentist may have specialized in one of several areas. These include endodontics, oral medicine, and periodontics.
In order to specialize, your dentist will have needed to complete a residency of two to three years after dental school. Some specialties, such as oral surgery, require residencies of up to six years.
You may be able to get information about a particular dentist's education and training through their website. Some have biographies available for each of the professionals in their practice.
If this isn't possible, however, don't be afraid to ask your dentist about their background. Where did they go to dental school, and what kind of degree do they have? Are they specialists in any area, and where did they complete their residency?
The right dentist for you can provide you with information that will reassure you of their qualifications.
Finding a Dentist in Mount Vernon NY
Finding a dentist will require a bit of homework. However, once you've done your research and asked the right questions, you can be confident that you've found a dentist in Mount Vernon NY that you can trust for years to come.
Don't stop getting smart about your dental care now. Fore qualified professionals in the Mount Vernon area,
contact us today.
