Do you need help finding a dentist in Niles, IL? Here are a few basic techniques for choosing a dentist based on positive reviews, credentials, and more.
1. Factor in the Dental Office's Location
When you look for dentists in Niles, consider their office locations. Ideally, they should be close to your home or work. The closer your dentist is, the easier and more convenient it will be to schedule and attend dental appointments.
A conveniently located Niles dentist is even more crucial during dental emergencies (for example, if you accidentally break or knock a tooth out). In these situations, having quick and easy access to a dentist can make a vast difference..
2. Check the Dentist's Credentials and Specializations
One of the most crucial considerations when choosing a dentist is their area of specialization. According to the latest available data from the American Dental Association (ADA), only one in five active dentists in the U.S. report having an ADA-recognized specialization in their practice, research, or administration area.
Choosing a Niles dental specialist is vital because it helps you receive specialized care for your unique oral healthcare needs. Dental specialists have undergone additional education and training in particular areas of dentistry, allowing them to perform more rigorous, complex procedures than their non-specialist peers.
Here's a quick overview of dental specializations to consider when looking for your next dentist.
Periodontics
Periodontics is a dental specialty focused on the health of the gums, jawbone, and the tissues that support the teeth. Periodontists (dentists specializing in periodontics) are experts in diagnosing, treating, and preventing gum disease.
Gum disease is highly prevalent in the United States. Per the U.S. CDC, it affects about half of men and a third of women 30 years or older. If you think you also have gum disease, the best dentist for your case is a periodontist.
Endodontics
Endodontics is a dental specialization focusing on the dental pulp (the soft tissues inside a tooth). Dentists who specialize in this branch of dentistry are "endodontists."
Endodontists are highly trained and experienced in root canal treatment (RCT). According to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), endodontists perform over 15 million RCT procedures yearly to treat and save badly decayed or broken teeth. So, if you have one or more permanent, natural teeth that need saving due to severe decay or infection, an endodontist can help.
Sedation Dentistry
Do you feel anxious or perhaps even downright fearful of visiting the dentist? If so, you may benefit from sedation dentistry.
Sedation dentistry is a dental specialization involving anesthetics. Anesthetics are medications that can help patients relax and feel calmer during dental procedures.
Prosthodontics
Prosthodontics is a dental specialization that involves designing, making, and fitting artificial replacements for lost or missing teeth and other mouth parts. Dentists who practice prosthodontics are "prosthodontists."
If you are missing or have lost one or more natural teeth, a prosthodontist is your best option.
Your dental specialist can give you a smile makeover, restore oral functions, and
improve your oral health and quality of life.
3. Read Patient Reviews
Reviews can give you valuable insights into the experiences of other patients who've already seen your prospective Niles dental care provider. Reading them can help you learn more about:
- The quality of care provided by the dentist
- The level of customer service delivered by the dentist and their team
- How satisfied previous patients are
Ideally, your chosen dentist in Niles should have consistently positive reviews and many four- and five-star marks. However, please avoid concentrating on the stars alone, as they aren't always accurate. Instead, read the written testimonials and comments from verified users.
4. Search for Dentists Offering Complimentary Consultation
Another excellent way to find a dentist that best suits your needs and preferences is to search for those offering complimentary consultations.
Complimentary consultations are preliminary meetings wherein you can:
- Share and discuss your oral health care concerns with the dentist
- Discover your viable treatment options, including the pros and cons of each
- Learn about the costs of potential treatments
Because a complimentary consultation lets you meet the whole dental team, it also allows you to get a first-hand look into how they are as professionals.
You want your future dental team to be professional and efficient, but they should also be friendly and compassionate and make you feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible. Their office should also be clean, pristine, and have the latest dental equipment and state-of-the-art technologies.
5. Consider Payment Options
Before finalizing your choice of a dentist in Niles, IL, please don't forget to check the payment options they offer. Ideally, your new dentist should provide one or more of the following:
- Interest-free financing
- Extended payment programs
- Credit lines
Choosing a dentist offering the above payment plans can make your dental treatments and services more affordable.
Choose Your New Dentist in Niles, IL, Wisely
Location, specializations, positive reviews, complimentary consultations, and payment options are the top considerations for choosing your new dentist in Niles, IL.
The good news is that you don't have to look far and wide to find a dental office that satisfies all those factors. At Dental Specialists of Niles, you'll gain access to a team of highly-trained specialists who also provide implant and general dentistry in Niles, IL. Our doctors bring decades of combined expertise in periodontics, prosthodontics, endodontics, and sedation dentistry.
So, if you'd like to get all your general and specialized oral healthcare treatments under one roof, we encourage you to contact our dental office today. We look forward to providing you with a complimentary consultation.
Contact Us Today!
847-979-9808
