How to Choose a Cosmetic Dentist

Serving Fresno, Reedley and surrounding areas

The process of choosing the right cosmetic dentist can be a very difficult one, especially in an area like.  Your smile is one of your most precious assets, and you do not want to entrust it to just anyone.  And if you are looking for a dentist for your family, the decision is even more difficult, because you need someone who can skillfully address a wide range of functional as well as aesthetic dental issues.

To help you find someone who fits your needs, we've put together a list of things to keep in mind as you consider your options.

Is the dentist prepared to handle serious dental problems as well as simple cosmetic issues?

Ideally, your dentist should be prepared to handle the entire range of your dental care.  Not only is this convenient for you, but it ensures better care for you, since your dentist is looking not only at the cosmetic side, but at the health side of dentistry as well. This means they will not just slap a cosmetic patch on top of a sick tooth, but is prepared to address any endodontic issues you may have. You are also more likely to find a dentist who is trying to develop a long-term relationship with you as a patient, not just trying to make a quick buck, which will again help you get the best care.  And if you're looking for a family dentist, these are mostly general dentists.

In short, make sure your dentist is prepared to handle implant dentistry as well as tooth bonding, not just instant orthodontics, but real orthodontics as well.

What level of training has the dentist achieved?

Every dentist has to achieve a certain level of training in order to be certified by the state of California to practice dentistry, but there is a wide range in the level of training achieved beyond that.  Ideally, your dentist should undertake a constant program of dental training in the latest cosmetic and general dentistry techniques and technologies.

Make sure the cosmetic dentist has training in procedures that you (or your children) might need.  If you feel nervous about going to the dentist, for example, it's important to make sure the dentist is trained in sedation or sleep dentistry.

How experienced is the dentist?

Experience is one of the most important qualities to look for in a dentist.  No matter what level of training a dentist has achieved, experience is the best teacher.  Unless your dentist has been practicing for many years, he or she has a very limited experience in performing dental procedures.  In a multi-dentist practice, though, it can be good to have a young dentist as well as an experienced one, since a young can have a different perspective than one who was trained several years before.  Many routine procedures can be performed quite well by a new dentist, but it's always good to make sure you select a dentist who has learned in the real world as well as the classroom in case an unusual situation arises in your dental care.

How long has the dentist been in practice in the same community?

People don't go back to a dentist they don't like, especially for cosmetic procedures.  A dentist that doesn't give good care often can't stay in business for long, but may try moving around to many different communities.  If a dentist has been practicing cosmetic and general dentistry in the same community for a long time, it's a good bet that the practice survives because the dentists do good work.

Does the dentist share your values?

This is especially important for a family dentistry, since the dentist can become a role model for your children.  If you are considering bringing your children to a dentist, make sure that the office not only promotes but practices the kind of values you want your children to learn.

Are you comfortable with the dentist?

In the end, all these factors add up to trust.  You need to feel that you can put yourself under that dentist's care. If the office or the dentist puts you ill at ease, get out and find another place for your care. 

At Ikuta Smiles, we are a family-oriented practice that has provided quality dental care to the residents of Fresno, Reedley, Visalia, Clovis, and Hanford since 1976.  We invite you to come down and take a look at our offices.  Call or email us today to set up a time.

We look forward to providing you with a beautiful smile!