It’s common knowledge that many people are anxious about going to the dentist. What’s less well known is that many people are anxious about finding a new dentist. And while sedation dentistry is great for helping people overcome their dental anxiety, there’s no good treatment for people who keep going to a dentist that isn’t right for them. You just have to decide it’s time to get a new dentist.
Here are some signs that it’s time to get a new dentist.
Dentist Doesn’t Offer Services You Want
If you’re working with a dentist who doesn’t offer all the treatment options you want, such as cosmetic dentistry, you should consider going to a new dentist. This isn’t as big a deal as some of the others–you can work with one cosmetic dentist and have a different general dentist.
You Get Poor Results
If your dentist isn’t properly maintaining the health and appearance of your smile, then why keep going to them? If you are getting poor results from gum treatment or have unattractive restorations, you might be better off finding a new dentist who can give you the results you desire, even if this means undoing the results of previous treatment.
Dentist Doesn’t Seem Concerned about Your Overall Health
Dentistry is primarily focused on the care of your teeth and mouth, but it’s a mistake if your dentist thinks that your oral health and general health aren’t connected. Your dentist should pay attention to your health history, and offer dental treatments that are designed to promote your overall wellbeing.
Dentist Doesn’t Give You Options
Any dentist who tells you there’s only one way to get the results you want is probably not being wholly honest with you. There are always options. Usually, one option is better (sometimes a lot better), but a dentist that trusts you will give you the information you need to make an informed decision and trust you to make it. It is your mouth, after all.
Dentist Doesn’t Listen
A dentist who doesn’t trust you to make informed decisions about your care probably also won’t trust you to accurately report your symptoms. They may not check up on the symptoms you report or blow off the importance of your concerns. Even if a dentist has good reasons for not considering something a serious concern, they should respect you enough to explain those reasons.
Dentist Doesn’t Work with Specialists
There is a good deal of truth to the saying, “Jack of all trades, master of none.” A dentist that insists on performing all procedures him- or herself isn’t really giving you optimal care. Every dentist should know their limits and respect them and provide you with optimal care by working with a specialist when appropriate.
Dentist Doesn’t Want You to Get a Second Opinion
A second opinion is considered standard in any medical field when you have received a major diagnosis or are considering a serious procedure. There’s nothing wrong with it and it shouldn’t be considered an insult. If your dentist doesn’t want you to get a second opinion or acts offended, that is probably not the best dentist for you.
You Don’t Feel Comfortable with Your Dentist
And, of course, sometimes you can’t quite figure out what’s wrong with your current dentist. You just feel it. If you can’t shake the feeling that this isn’t the right dentist for you, it’s time to find a new one who makes you feel comfortable and welcome. It’s only then that you know you’re at the right dental home.
If you feel that it’s time for you to find a new dentist in Irvine, we invite you to consider Rice Dentistry. Please call (949) 551-5902 today to learn more about what makes Rice Dentistry stand apart from others in the area.
