6 Suggestions for Choosing a Dentist You Can Trust

Choosing a dentist for you and your family can be a challenge. Services, location and financing options are all important factors. Finding a dentist who makes you feel safe and comfortable is most important.

James G. Forester, DDS in Johns Creek, GA is dedicated to creating an environment that is friendly and welcoming. Dr. Forester and our team go beyond just focusing on teeth. Our goal is to provide patients with comprehensive dentistry with an integrative approach to caring for your oral health and wellness.

At the end of the day, our mission is to make sure you feel confident taking the next step towards caring for your smile.

Here are six tips to help you determine how to choose a dentist you can trust…

1) Understand Your Needs: What do you want?

Choosing a dentist that’s right for you and your family starts with YOU.

What are you looking for when it comes to dental care? Make a list of questions or points to take to your appointment. Knowing your concerns and needs are the first steps in choosing the perfect dental team.

Do you have toddlers or young children? Families with kids may want a family practice that provides pediatric dentistry.

Lifetime Smiles is proud to serve the dental care needs of children, as well as adults.

Are flaws in your smile negatively affecting your confidence? Cosmetic services like teeth whitening, orthodontic aligners, or veneers can correct cosmetic defects. Meanwhile, bruxism, gum disease, sleep apnea, tooth loss, and many other dental complications can be addressed with restorative dentistry.

For a list of all dental services at our office, click on this page. And to find out why we’re different from other dentists in Johns Creek, visit this page.

2) Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up When Choosing a Dentist: Be your own advocate.

Asking questions is the best way to make sure a dental practice can fulfill your needs. Advocating for your oral health concerns is a crucial part of finding the right dentist.

Schedule a consultation so you can sit down and clarify any concerns you have. If you aren’t sure what to ask, here are a few basic questions you can share during your meeting:

• How long does it take to schedule (or reschedule) an appointment?
• Can parent and children’s appointments be booked for the same time?
• What financing options do you have available?
• What services and treatments do you offer?
• What does the team do to further their training?
• What comfort options are available for patients with anxiety?

You can also learn more about our dental practice by reading online patient reviews and using others’ experiences to aid in your decision-making process.

3) Research: Look online for details about a practice.

You want an experienced dentist with the proper credentials, but you’re not sure where to start. The American Dental Association find-a-dentist tool can help you locate an ADA-certified dentist near you.

ADA dentists have access to the latest research and information, so you can know that you are considering knowledgeable and qualified providers. Additionally, ADA dentists pledge the following:

• Respect a Patient’s Wants and Needs
• Do No Harm
• Do Good
• Be Fair
• Be Truthful

4) Learn Your Options When Choosing a Dentist: There’s more than one way to brighten a smile, straighten teeth, and replace lost teeth.

Once you’ve chosen a dentist, attended a first visit, and have a treatment plan in hand, ask about options. If the dentist recommends veneers, did you know that white crowns are an alternative? If he suggests braces, does he offer clear, removable aligners instead? Do you qualify for aligners?

Inquisitiveness will serve you well in virtually every service or product you choose in life!

Remember, too, that seeking a second or third opinion does not reflect poorly on you. If you  need another opinion for a current treatment plan, call Lifetime Smiles for a consultation. Bring your treatment plan and questions to your visit.

5) Expect Good Communication: Trust requires effective communication.

Building trust has much to do with clear, consistent communication. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to your dentist, then it will be difficult to ask important questions about your oral health.

Choosing a dentist who values relationship building is important so that he/she can get to know you and your needs. Make sure you are an equal partner when it comes to discussing your treatment plan, and you don’t feel pressure to walk away without a complete understanding of your options.

Regarding appointments, ask the front desk if you’ll receive text reminders and updates. These communication tools make life a lot easier!

6) Find a Team Who Makes You Smile: If going to the dentist is drudgery, you’re not in the right place!

The most important aspects of dental care are your safety and comfort. When you’re headed to the dentist, you should look forward to seeing a team who has your best interests at heart.

As you seek out the right dental practice, find a doctor and team that makes you feel calm and relaxed by providing knowledgeable, patient-oriented care. Ask:

• Is the phone answered with a smile?
• Are you greeted in the practice with a smile?
• Are you known by name at your dental practice?
• Do team members cater to your comfort?
• Are your children happy to see the dentist?
• Is the dentist or hygienist attentive to your comfort, care, and education?
• When you check out, do you feel respected?

When you leave, you should feel good and have little or no pain!

Comprehensive Dental Care in Johns Creek, GA

Dr. Forester has over 35 years of dental experience and is proud to provide the Johns Creek community with quality care and contemporary technology.

At Lifetime Smiles, we are committed to being the dental practice you can trust. Contact us to schedule a consultation or call our office at 678-730-6754 to discuss your needs.