How to Choose a Dentist

How to Choose a Dentist

When you need to choose a dentist, sometimes it can be overwhelming. So how does one go about choosing a dentist? Covering your eyes and randomly pointing to the Google search results doesn’t cut it. Asking a friend is a good way to choose a dentist; after all, you know your friend and trust his/her experience, right?

But what if you don’t know anyone who knows a good dentist? What if you need specialized services, like dentures or implants? What if you are looking for a dentist in a specific location, or the friendliest guy in town?

There are a lot of dentists out there, some good, some not so good. Here is a checklist you may want to consider when you are trying to choose a dentist.

1. What type of result are you looking for?

There are, in general, three levels of care you can expect. The first level is your budget level. Nothing wrong with that, if that is what you want. Most dentists at this level do adequate work, but not always. It’s like going to the Wal-Mart. High volume, inexpensive goods that may last a while and get you through for now, but don’t expect much more out of it.

Level two is more of a mainstream level. If you choose a dentist at this level, you can expect decent dental work and most likely a pretty good experience. You can compare it to shopping at a nicer department store, such as JC Penney.

Level three is all about quality and longevity. If you wish to choose a dentist in this level you can expect superior dental work and a dentist who has lots of experience and training. Compare this to Macy’s or Nordstrom. High quality with a high level of competence and excellence is the norm for a level three dentist.

2. What type of dental work do you need?

Do you need a simple cleaning? What about crowns? Are you looking into dental implants? Is it finally time for dentures? A good dentist will examine your entire mouth and give you a treatment plan suitable for your personal oral health situation. Look for a dentist who caters to your dental needs. If you want to choose a dentist who specalizes in a certain area of expertise, usually you can find that information plainly stated on their web site. If not, ask when you call the office. You don’t want just anyone doing your implants.

3. Check online reviews.

Online reviews are a good way to help you choose a dentist because you can get a feel for what a dentist’s patients are saying about the office. It’s helpful if you post your own online review, too, after your appointment. There are many places around the web where you can read and post reviews.

4. Does the dental office offer a free consultation?

To choose a dentist, a doctor, or a hairdresser is a little bit like marriage. It’s important to find someone you trust and who will give you great service and quality. If the dentist offers a free consultation they are extending a hand to you. This gives you an opportunity to visit the office, meet the dentist and staff, and then decide if this relationship is a good match with no obligation.

5. Does the office give a treatment plan in writing?

A written treatment plan is extremely helpful when you choose a dentist. When your oral health care plan is there on paper, complete with financial information, then you can make a better decision. Be sure to ask the staff member who answers the phone before you make your appointment. There’s nothing worse than expecting clear communication and coming out of the dental office more confused than ever. Get your plan in writing.

Can You Fix My Broken Dentures?

I'm sorry Mommy!

It must be broken dentures day. Three, yes three new patients called us today to have their broken dentures fixed. Good thing we have an in-house denture lab and are able to repair broken dentures in about an hour. 

How did the dentures break you might ask?

One man had the sad experience of having his lower dentures snap right in half. They were more than 10 years old, and desperately needed replacing. Just like shoes, dentures do wear out. We fixed those broken dentures right up as a temporary solution until he could come in for a new set. 

The next guy was doing a big no-no and opening a package with his teeth…uh-oh, out popped a front tooth. Armida, our lab tech, worked her magic and replaced it. No one could tell the tooth had ever been out of place, and he left a very happy patient. He promised us he would not use his teeth as a tool again, but should he forget and break his denture, he’ll be back. 

The last woman had a very sad story to tell.

She had been cleaning and soaking her dentures when the phone rang. She placed her dentures on the bathroom counter, and left the room to answer the phone. When she came back, to her horror she found her little Yorkie chewing on her upper denture! Fido must have enjoyed himself because the poor broken dentures were snapped in two pieces and one corner was chewed to bits.

The woman was quite embarrassed, but we told her not to worry. This sort of thing happens more than you would think! We sterilized her broken dentures, and Armida went to work. This case took a little longer than usual (about half a day) repairing what the doggie thought was a delightful new chew toy, but it all worked out in the end. Her broken dentures, now fixed, fit better than ever. 

I love happy endings, don’t you?

Top 5 Reasons for a Tooth Implant

1. Dental Implants are the natural replacement choice.

No longer a luxury item but a natural quality-of-life choice, dental implants are the next best thing to a natural tooth.

2. You’ll fit in.

The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons found that 69% of adults ages 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth to an accident, gum disease, a failed root canal, or tooth decay. In addition, by age 74, 26% of adults will have lost all of their permanent teeth. Your neighbor probably has a dental implant. Yeah, that one.

3. Smiling and Chewing are basic human needs.

Chewing is something we take for granted until we loose a tooth or teeth–then we realize just how important our teeth are. Your smile says everything about you. If you are uncomfortable smiling because you are missing a tooth (even in the back) a dental implant can help you to be your best self.

4. Better than 25 years ago.

Dental implants today are the first and best choice in many cases of a missing tooth or teeth. Success rates are 95% or higher. Easier to place and maintain and very long-lasting, they typically outlast more conventional treatments like a crown or bridge.

5. Increased Insurance Coverage.

More dental insurance companies are covering some of the cost of implant treatment. An implant with a crown is usually about the same cost as a three-unit bridge, but statistically it lasts much longer. No wonder insurance companies are changing their attitudes toward implants.

AAID Credentials Ruled Bona Fide by U.S. District Court

If you’re a patient of McBride Dental, you already know how friendly and comfortable the office is. But do you know what all those letters after Dr. McBride’s name mean?

Dr. McBride has completed at least 570 hours of post-doctoral instruction in implant dentistry through AAID (American Academy of Implant Dentistry), one of the most comprehensive credentialing programs in dentistry. He is a board certified Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology and Implant Dentistry.

www.aboi.org

Recently, the AAID and the ABOI (American Board of Oral Implantology), established in 1969, won a “clear and unequivocal verdict” against the State of California in a U.S. District Court regarding the right for dentists to advertise these credentials to the public.

This is great news, not only to the dentists who have completed the rigorous program, but to consumers who now are able to find an ABOI/ID Diplomate with superior training and years of experience.

AAID Credentials Ruled Bona Fide by U.S. District Court

CHICAGO, Nov. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — In a clear and unequivocal verdict, a federal court judge in California ruled that credentials issued to dentists by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) are bona fide and legitimate, and state laws that prohibit or restrict advertising them to the public are unconstitutional.  

Judge John Mendez, for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, struck down a state law that effectively prevented dentists from advertising credentials issued by AAID, which demonstrate their training and proficiency in implant dentistry.  He said that AAID and the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry (ABOI) “are bona fide credentialing organizations whose standards are rigorous, objectively clear, and verifiable.  These are not fly-by-night credentialing organizations.  They take their role and responsibility seriously.” 

AAID said today the verdict, issued Oct. 15, is a victory for consumers as well as dentists.  ”We are very pleased with this decision.  It validates the rights of dentists with AAID credentials to… (read more)

Use Them or Loose Them

The Holiday Season is here! Can you believe we have only 37 days left until Christmas? Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Mmmm, smell those hot, buttered rolls and spiced pumpkin pie.

Along with our celebrations of home, family, and friends comes the end of 2010. Out with the old, in with the new. Good year or bad, either way there is something important to remember—if you have dental insurance, there’s a good chance your benefits will end December 31^st.

This means if you have unused benefits, you need to use them before the end of the year. Benefits start from scratch in 2011 (erasing any you may have left from 2010) and that includes paying brand-new deductibles as well.

Why not take advantage of those benefits? After all, you paid for them. And besides, isn’t it time for a new denture anyway? Give us a call and we’ll give you a new smile–just in time for Christmas.

760-471-1003 or email doctor@mcbridedental.com

No Wooden Teeth Here

Our first president, George Washington, was famous for many things. A daring nighttime Potomac crossing and the chopping of his mother’s cherry tree are two examples (even though that particular story is just a myth). He also had size thirteen boots and was a fabulous dancer.

But the one thing he was most famous for were his dentures. Legend says he had wooden teeth. The more accurate rendition is that Washington had several sets of dentures, made out of ivory, gold, and lead. The teeth themselves were a mix of human and animal teeth, most likely cow, horse, and donkey.

Washington had a single tooth left when he was sworn into office. Being the first president of a fledgling America, socializing and public speaking were a constant must. Imagine his discomfort and embarrassment when his dentist noted that the false teeth had “turned very black”, most likely port wine stain.

If only George Washington had access to McBride Dental at that time. Dr. McBride regularly sees patients whose dentures are badly stained, fit poorly, teeth ground down, or simply in need of replacement. You should see how nice the brand-new ones look, and our patients say they fit great.

Today, dentures aren’t made out of wood and ivory, lead, or even gold, and we never use animal teeth! In our office, we pre-make your dentures in a wax base for you to review in your mouth for your cosmetic approval.

Dr. McBride insists on using strong, dental-grade acrylics and premium teeth—nothing less. We custom-construct each denture in our lab using heat and pressure, and fit them to your personal specifications.

Take a look at your dentures. If they’re more than 8 years old, they probably need replacing. Why not give us a call? We’d love to make you happy with your smile again.

Not Just the Hips

If you suffer from or are worried about osteoporosis, you should worry about your teeth, too. A lack of essential nutrients like calcium and vitamins K and D in your diet can lead to osteoporosis not only in your hips and spine, but your jaw as well.

The bone anchoring your teeth in place weakens, and over time, wears down. With nothing to hold them in, your teeth loosen and can fall out–and when something like that happens it’s a sad, sad day.

Fortunately there are things you can do to prevent this. A good diet is a must, and calcium supplements are recommended by many doctors.

But what if you already have loose or missing teeth from osteoporosis?

Dental implants are your answer. An expertly placed implant by Dr. McBride will become surrounded by new bone growth. It will be the foundation for a new tooth (implant crown) or teeth.

Fresh Enough to Freeze Ice Cream

Let’s face it. Going to the dentist isn’t on our top ten list of fun things to do. I mean, who enjoys mouthfuls of goop and having their lips stretched to accommodate an oversized x-ray?

There are a few of us, though that love going to the dentist, even if a procedure or two is slightly uncomfortable.

“Who are these people?” you might ask.

Well, take me, for instance. Recently, I had my teeth cleaned by the lovely and charming Pamela, the hygienist at McBride Dental. While she scraped at the years (yes, I said years…bad me!) of hardened plaque off my teeth, I can’t say the sensation was pleasant.

It was exhilarating.

I likened the experience to having a sports massage done on overworked muscles. It did hurt a little, and a spot or two pinched, but afterward…I felt great! My teeth sparkled and shone, and I had breath fresh enough to freeze ice cream. Yummy.

Will I go again?  Absolutely. I even made my appointment in advance.

You’re Welcome, Mrs. Johnson.

You know those really good days? The kind of day you want to experience over and over again? 

Today was one of those days. 

Sweet, sweet Clara Johnson came in a few weeks ago in tears. She needed dentures badly, but had terrible luck at two other dental offices. She came in today for the last time, again in tears. 

“You’ve given me my life back,” she said, her blue eyes watering. “I can eat without pain.” She firmly grasped all of our hands and insisted we take a plate of cookies she brought in. 

Sure, most patients are happy they receive Dr. McBride’s best work, but Clara? So incredibly grateful that it brought tears to our eyes, too. 

Lesson learned today: Teeth are Important. 

 

 

 

Before-painful, ugly dentures

After-beautiful, comfortable dentures