You probably already know how important it is to maintain your oral health with the help of a dentist to avoid tooth decay and for early disease detection. But which dentist should you trust with this responsibility?

There are number of factors to consider when choosing a family dentist such as Shirer Family Dentistry, Aiken, SC. It comes down to more than just know-how – you have to be comfortable in their chair. Furthermore, if you’re not comfortable during check ups, the dentist should find ways to make that visit easier on you.

Of course, your dentist should be more than competent and know how to handle a range of oral health issues, but there is more to dentistry than that. Here are some other things to look for when it comes to selecting a dentist that you can form a long-term professional relationship with.

It’s About Personal Connection

A good dentist shouldn’t make you dread your up coming appointment. Going to the dentist doesn’t always have to fit the definition of fun, but the dental team should do what it can to make you feel welcome and comfortable in their practice.

It’s more than just how you feel while you’re in the dentist’s chair. When you enter a dental office, you should be greeted warmly – and by name if it’s not your first visit. That’s something Shirer Family Dentistry takes very seriously. As one patient said about their experience at this particular dental office, “From the moment you walk in the door you feel welcomed and comfortable.”

Some dentists may take a clinical approach to dentistry, meaning they’re focused on quickly diagnosing the problem and applying a solution. While this isn’t a bad approach, it can also leave you feeling a bit cold. Dentists that love what they’re doing not only apply their technical skills, but their social skills as well. You should feel like you’re having a conversation with a friend during a procedure! As another patient pointed out about Shirer Family Dentistry, “Found a new home for all my dental services and I am excited to now have a dentist that is sociable, friendly, outgoing and truly loves interacting with patients.”

Speaking of connection, Shirer Family Dentistry, has a husband and wife dentist team that brings their unique personalities and skills to each patient. They consult with one another about the best approaches and what’s best for patients.

Having a male and female dentist on staff also allows patients to choose one based on their own comfort and preferences.

Aside from personable dentists and hygienists, you should also choose a dentist that has a helpful front desk team. They should be able to clearly communicate when your appointments are and work around your schedule, while also making payment easy and helping you file an insurance claim if need be.

Shirer Family Dentistry in Aiken, SC prides themselves on their amazing team members. From their front office to the hygienist and assistants, Drs. Michael and Susannah Shirer have often said they are blessed to be surrounded by such an amazing and competent group of people. The patients love seeing their friendly faces and it makes the office a fun place hearing the team joke with each other and the dentists laughing and having fun while working. It’s good to see so many smiles in a dental office – in this one, it’s not only the patients who are smiling, it’s the team. They truly love what they do!

Choose a Dentist That Explains Procedures

When you know more about something, you’re less likely to be afraid of it. That’s no different for dentists and dental procedures. You should choose a dentist that not only knows how to perform complicated dental procedures but can also inform you beforehand about why it’s needed and what you can expect during your procedure.

Just like you will find at Shirer Family Dentistry, many dentists now use digital on-screen displays so they can show you detailed results of x-rays and where any problem areas are. That way, you know they’re handling your personal oral care properly and not just delivering a prescribed treatment without rationale.

Whether it’s simply a cavity that needs to be filled or you need a complete reconstruction, you should know the work will be explained to you and any of your questions answered. This is one thing that sets Shirer Family Dentistry apart from the rest. They take copious amounts of time to get to know their patients, what they want from their dental visit, and how to best approach their unique dental situation to give them the best outcome. Patients feel comfortable discussing things with the doctors at Shirer Family Dentistry because they are approachable and connect with their patients.

They Should Help Ease Dental Anxiety

You might be avoiding the dentist altogether, as the case is for many people. In fact, some estimates say that almost 75 percent of Americans have some level of discomfort in the dental chair. You might even have a dental phobia that makes it very uncomfortable during even simple procedures, even when the dental team is friendly and gentle. Or you may have a pronounced gag reflex that brands some procedures significantly harder to deal with.

While staying with the same dentist over a long-term period can help build some trust and help you feel more relaxed during visits, sometimes other measures need to be taken to ensure you’re comfortable. That’s where sedation dentistry comes in.

Some dental offices like Shirer Family Dentistry offer you the option of being sedated during a procedure to ease your nerves. There are a few ways a dentist can offer this including nitrous oxide and oral sedation. The first option is a gas that wears off quickly when the mask is removed. Oral sedation means you take medication to help you relax, but the effects can last much longer than nitrous oxide.

With the right sedation technique, visits to the dentist will become less scary (and you may even find yourself falling asleep in the chair).

“I used to have a lot of dental anxiety, and I don’t have that problem anymore since I’ve been going to this office,” said a patient about Shirer Family Dentistry.

Shirer Family Dentistry, Aiken, SC – Focuses on Prevention

There are a few more points to consider when you’re choosing your dentist. How thoroughly do they clean your teeth? How much education do they give you to maintain your oral health at home between visits? How early do they detect potential issues?

Prevention means you’ll likely avoid more complicated procedures, and you’ll have less chance of a dental emergency. (Your dentist should be able to book you in promptly.)

Make sure your dentist is comfortable with all age groups including children and seniors and can even provide orthodontic care and dentures if necessary. All of this is the case at Shirer Family Dentistry in Aiken, SC.

One thing is for sure – you should leave feeling like you’ve just had a positive experience that’s beneficial for your health.

To find out more about finding the right dentist or to book an appointment with the professionals at Shirer Family Dentistry, contact the office today.