Good oral care is vital to overall health. After all, your teeth play a role in eating food, digesting it, and ensuring you get the right nutrients. So, if you’re new to an area or need to switch to a new dentist, you may wonder how to find the right dentist office. As you consider local dental practitioners, here are some questions you should ask them.

1. Can You Handle Emergencies?

Dental emergencies can happen at any time. A dental emergency is any situation that can’t wait for a regular appointment. Examples of such cases are a loose or knocked out tooth, excessively bleeding gums, cuts or lacerations on gums, or other mouth tissue. If you have children, dental emergencies can happen more often than not, so it’s a good idea to have access to a dentist who can provide after-hour care.

2. What Services Do You Offer?

Like doctors, dentists can have various specialties. Dentists often get extra certifications long after they’ve completed their main dental school training. Do you want whiter teeth? Look for a dentist who can provide cosmetic dentistry services. Are you tired of having misaligned or crooked teeth? Then orthodontics can help you, and you may qualify for Invisalign. Of course, don’t forget about quality preventative care, especially regarding gum disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 46% of adults aged 30 years or older show signs of gum disease.

3. What Payment Options Do You Prefer?

It’s no secret that dental insurance can be expensive, and many Americans don’t have extensive coverage. If you have an alternative dental payment plan or rely on health credit cards such as CareCredit, be certain that your dentist takes such payment. Your dentist office may even have its own financing options to consider.

4. How Often Should I See You?

According to the American Dental Association, you should visit your local dentist at least twice a year. In addition to your daily brushing and flossing, those bi-annual appointments with your local dentist are a major step in preventative care. Your professional dentist will give teeth a thorough professional cleaning, get rid of excessive plaque and tartar, check for gum disease, and make note of any signs of decay.

When you move to a new area, you have many dental professionals to consider in your search for regular oral care. That’s why it’s helpful to ask the right questions. If you’re looking for a reputable practice in Maine, choose Mountain View Dentistry!