For many people, going to the dentist can be a very unpleasant, anxiety-inducing experience. If that’s true for you, one way to change your mindset about it is to find a dentist you are comfortable with—someone you trust to offer you the very best level of care. You should also find them to be friendly and enjoyable to be around. The same should be true for the entire staff, in fact, so that you feel totally at ease when you show up for your appointments.
Take Your Time
Too many people randomly pick a dentist based on an insurance list of providers or a website they stumble upon while searching online. Take your time to find the best dentist in Novi for your needs, so you feel comfortable with the care you’ll receive. If you feel anxious going to the dentist, let them know. They may be able to offer additional comfort measures so you can just relax.
It is often the fear of the unknown that creates anxiety at a dental office. They can explain procedures to you so you know exactly what to expect. It may surprise you to learn many of the procedures offered in dental offices these days are virtually pain-free. For others, they can offer you pain-numbing shots or nitrous oxide—sometimes called “laughing gas”—to help you relax during the procedure.
Set up a Visit
Spend time talking to your friends, family, or co-workers to find a great dentist. By just asking around, you can find out what people really like about a given dentist and what they don’t about others. Based on such information, you can call to set up an initial visit with several providers; this way, you can meet the office staff and take a tour of the facility before you choose to see someone regularly for your dental needs.
When you arrive for your initial visit, pay attention to how the waiting room is set up and how the receptionist treats people when they come in or call. The staff should be able to answer any questions you have. Then, based on your findings, you can schedule an appointment for a consultation of your dental care needs, whether it’s a routine cleaning or something more involved.
Find out What Your Treatment Options Are
There are many procedures a dentist can offer you to improve your smile or the fit of your teeth. For example, if you have loose or missing teeth, you don’t necessarily have to get dentures. They may be able to consider you for implants. Once the assessment is done and x-rays are taken, they can determine your overall needs. Next, they can discuss with you what treatment options you seem to be a good candidate for. They can even go over the pros and cons of each procedure and the cost to help you make a decision.
