Cosmetic Dentist

in New Orleans, Louisiana

How to Select a Dentist That's Right for You

Print the following questions and use them as a guideline to help you choose the Louisiana dentist that's right for you. Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations, check the phone book, but use these questions to become better informed about the type of dentistry that's right for you and the practice that can best deliver!

1. What level of new technology do you use in your practice?

If a practice claims to be "high tech" or "cutting edge", you have a right to expect at least of minimum level of state-of-the-art technology.

A) The more technologically advanced practices today typically use some type of laser - either the most basic for detecting decay, the more advanced for treating or recontouring gum tissue, or the most technique-sensitive laser for treating hard surfaces such as teeth and bone.

B) Magnification will help your doctor see the finer details with greater clarity.

C) Intra-oral cameras and digital x-rays will help you see and understand more about the conditions in your mouth so you can make informed decisions about your care.

D) Computer-generated porcelain crowns and restorations can now be made in-office for greater comfort and convenience to you. No bulky impressions, no need to wear a temporary, and no need for a second appointment to deliver the restoration.

2. What range of services do you offer?

Ask questions about how much dentistry is routinely available within the practice and what procedures are typically referred out to a specialty practice. Skills and education can vary greatly from one dentist to another. The doctor should have the training and experience to perform certain procedures, or have the willingness to acknowledge limitations and refer to a specialist. If you should need root canal therapy, gum disease treatment, orthodontics or oral surgery, for instance, how can you expect your case to be managed?

3. Do you offer sedation dentistry?

4. Are you familiar with neuromuscular dentistry?

These are two seemingly unrelated spectrums of dentistry, but both are areas that would require special training to ensure appropriate treatment. An understanding of these techniques would typically indicate a dentist who's more advanced in his pursuit of continuing education.

Availability of anxiety management techniques can help many people finally get the dentistry they need and have been delaying due to fear.

Neuromuscular dentistry understands the relationship of muscles and jaw function. Many headaches, and even back pain, can be caused by improper bite when the upper and lower teeth come together. Does the dentist know about this field of study in dentistry?

5. Is your office committed to personalized care and treatment?

Personal care means taking the time to get to know you and build a relationship based on trust. Your treatment, including your professional cleaning, should be based on a thorough, comprehensive exam, necessary x-rays and a personalized plan tailored to your particular desires and needs. How much time will the doctor actually spend with you?

6. What level of cosmetic dentistry techniques do you offer?

Again, ask questions about the doctor's post-graduate training to qualify him or her. Nearly every dentist in practice today claims to perform cosmetic dentistry procedures. But, even membership in cosmetic dental organizations does not mean the dentist takes advantage of educational opportunities. Many cosmetic materials are extremely technique-sensitive and require skill and artistry. Ask to see before and after photos of the doctor's actual work so you can determine for yourself if his or her results might meet your expectations.

7. How many years of experience does your dentist have?

Every dentist has to start somewhere after dental school graduation, but be sensitive to whether the care you're seeking for yourself might benefit from the experience of someone who's practiced for a longer time and perhaps treated a wider variety and varying levels of complexity.

8. What amenities and conveniences do you offer your patients?

The real question is : "How much do they really care about you?" Will they bend over backwards to exceed expectations and provide the exceptional service and attention you deserve?

9. Do you take my insurance and do you have payment plans?

Don't be afraid to step "outside of network" to choose your dentist. Your insurance will still pay the same benefits, but will have no "hold" over the doctor's decisions regarding your care. Excellence is not cheap but it also doesn't have to be out of reach. Insurance is a very useful supplement to help defray the costs of your oral health care, but it almost never pays 100% of anything. Patient-friendly payment options are easy enough for a practice to arrange in order to make top quality care affordable for everyone.

A practice that promises not to exceed what your insurance will pay may be more interested in high volume, less patient-focused care. Insurance payments are scaled on percentile levels based on the amount of premiums paid by your employer, and they're subject to "maximum allowables".

This is an economic, little recognized truth in dentistry: to be profitable at the managed care game, one must do just that.play the managed care game. Do you want your health care to be based on a game your provider must play in order to ensure he or she gets paid for services? Or do you want a provider who's committed to prescribing only the best care for your individual needs, independent of a third-party dental consultant sitting at a desk in an insurance office? If your goal is the latter, then be prepared to pay a little more out-of-pocket, and don't be afraid to ask about payment plans.

10. What are the dentist's interests for continuing education?

Do the dentist (and staff) take advantage of opportunities for advanced continuing dental education? Local association dinner meetings are usually available on a regular basis and are easy enough to attend. But has the doctor demonstrated a commitment to seeking out the broader opportunities available at a national level? A doctor who's made this investment of time and resources (profits) at this level is more likely passionate about bringing excellence to his patients.