While dental emergencies understandably demand immediate attention, prevention is the best long-term approach for oral health and saving money down the road. Regular checkups with your dentist in Amherstburg catch tiny issues before they escalate into more significant, expensive problems. Professional cleanings every six months remove plaque and Tatar that toothbrushing misses. Dentists also examine the entire mouth, check for cavities, and identify any early signs of gum disease.

Catching dental issues promptly spares patients more complex treatments later. Signs of cavities may be filled quickly during the initial stages. Minor gum swelling from gingivitis reverses quickly with improved brushing and cleanings. However, neglecting care allows these minor problems to multiply, requiring higher levels of intervention like root canals, crowns, or even extractions if cavities spread or gums recede from untreated disease.

Dentists also take dental X-rays periodically to spot bone or tooth issues invisible to the naked eye. X-rays detect infections, abscesses, or tumours before pain sets in. They monitor wisdom teeth alignment and development over time. Comparing past films tracks the progression of conditions like cavities or periodontal disease. Early intervention or prevention classes guide patients as they age.

Ask For Referrals

When relocating or needing a new dentist, a great place to start is by asking friends, family and neighbours who they would recommend. Word-of-mouth is one of the best ways to learn about dentists from an unbiased perspective. Ask others about their experiences with cleanings, fillings, crowns or other procedures. Pay attention to how comfortable patients seem with their dentist’s communication skills and friendliness. A referral is a good sign that a dentist takes the time to build rapport and deliver quality care.

Check Qualifications

It’s also essential to verify a prospective Amherstburg dentist’s credentials. Look for someone who has graduated from an accredited dental school with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. Many experienced dentists also pursue ongoing continuing education to learn new techniques. Some specialize further in orthodontics, oral surgery or children’s dentistry. Board certification is another sign of advanced expertise. These credentials indicate extensive training to handle all stages of dental care, from preventative treatments to complex procedures.

Consider Location

When choosing a dental office, proximity matters. Pick a location convenient to your home or workplace for routine cleanings and checkups to make regular visits easy if the treatment requires multiple appointments; the closer, the better to minimize back-and-forth travel time. Consider adding a few options within a 10-15 minute drive. This allows flexibility if your schedule changes or a particular dentist is unavailable. Familiarity with the neighbourhood also builds long-term comfort with the practice.

Explore Payment Options

Many Amherstburg dentists offer flexible payment plans to help patients afford necessary treatment. Find out if a practice accepts dental insurance and what paperwork you need to file claims. They may also provide no-interest financing through CareCredit for more extensive procedures spread over monthly payments. Verifying coverage and costs upfront is usually best to avoid unexpected fees later. Reputable dentists work hard to make quality care accessible through transparent financial processes.

Evaluate Bedside Manner

The most crucial factor is how comfortable you feel. Consider scheduling an initial appointment to meet the dentist, tour the office and discuss any issues or concerns. Pay attention to how staff interact with patients and how the dentist specifically explains procedures in terms you understand. Signs of a suitable bedside manner include active listening, patience, an emphasis on prevention, oral health education, and hands-on treatment. Finding someone you trust creates a long-lasting patient-provider relationship.

Check Reviews

Reading online reviews can provide real patient experiences you would only discover after visiting. Search for the dental practice name and specific dentist on sites like Google, Facebook and Healthgrades. Look for consistent themes about communication, clinical skills, office staff and any praises or complaints. High ratings across these channels generally indicate reliable service and quality care. Consider all feedback to gain a well-rounded view before committing to a new dentist.

Partner with SD Family Dentistry for Your Family’s Smiles

Whether you’re looking for a dentist for your family’s regular cleanings and checkups or need help with a dental issue, SD Family Dentistry is an excellent option for Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada, residents. Led by Dr. Stefano Storey & Dr. Chad Denomme, SD Family Dentistry has provided quality dental care to the community for over 15 years. They take a preventative approach to oral health, helping patients all ages maintain healthy smiles. With a convenient location just 10 minutes from downtown Amherstburg, flexible scheduling, and affordable payment plans, SD Family Dentistry makes accessing routine and specialized dental care seamless. 

Stop by their office today to discuss your dental needs and find the solutions to help keep your family’s teeth in great shape for many years.