It can be tricky looking for a trusted and friendly dental office in Dallas, TX. You have tons of options, and sifting through online reviews can feel overwhelming. So, what’s the best way to find a great dentist when you’re on the hunt for one? Knowing the right questions to ask in your search could help you find the perfect general dentistry center in your area.
At Lakewood Dental Group, we make affordable and comprehensive dental care attainable. And, with over 300 five-star reviews on Google, we know that you’ll love being a part of our family. Get started with our friendly dentists today by sending us a message or by calling (214) 827-1885 now.
If you’re still searching for your ideal dental office in Dallas or Lakewood, then keep reading. In this blog post, we give you six questions that you should ask any dental office you talk to.
Do you offer mercury-free dentistry in your dental office?
In the past, dental offices relied heavily on metal restorations (like dental crowns and fillings) to repair damaged or decayed teeth. But, these restorations often contained approximately 50% mercury, by weight.
Mercury is unique because it is largely unreactive, resists corrosion, and binds with other metals (chiefly silver, copper, and tin) to form a robust and versatile amalgam (or mixture). As such, it has historically been a long-lasting and effective way to restore injured smiles.
But, mercury is a known neurotoxin. And, while innate mercury poses no real threat to humans, constant contact can release harmful contaminants into the mouth and body. This means that mercury-containing restorations may be constantly releasing low levels of harmful toxins when in contact with the tongue and cheeks.
So, when you’re looking for a dental office in your area, one of the first questions that you should ask is: Do you offer mercury-free dentistry?
Most modern dental offices no longer offer metal restorations of any kind, but some still do. If a prospective dentist offers metal restorations, make sure that they offer affordable, metal-free alternatives, too.
What kind of x-ray technology do you use?
Many of us still remember the film-based x-rays of yesteryear. These antiquated x-rays bombard the body with radiation to collect information about the hard tissues under our skin. But, exposure to even one film-based x-ray was the equivalent of days of ambient radiation exposure.
Yikes! That’s not exactly comforting to hear! Especially since experts universally agree that radiation of any wavelength can damage our DNA and lead to cancer.
Luckily, digital x-rays are replacing outdated film-based x-rays. These x-rays allow a dental office to gather high-quality images of the head, neck, and face using up to a whopping 90% less radiation.
If a dental office only offers film-based x-rays, then it may be worth exploring other options.
Do you have patient-friendly financing options?
Did you know that approximately 77 million Americans do not have dental insurance? That accounts for nearly 25% of our population. And, unfortunately, many Americans who do have dental insurance have only minimal coverage. As a result, oral health in the United States is plummeting, particularly in low-income communities.
So, when you’re looking for a trustworthy dental office in Dallas, be sure to ask about their financing options. Not only are patient-friendly financing options helpful, but it indicates a dentist’s willingness to provide accessible and affordable care for all patients, regardless of income.
Patient-friendly financing options may include:
- Third-party financing
- In-house membership plans
- Versatile payment options
Third-Party Financing
Third-partying lenders (like CareCredit and LendingClub) allow patients to get the care they deserve, even if it’s cosmetic. Furthermore, interest rates with these lenders are often lower than interest rates on common credit cards.
In-House Membership Plans
In-house membership plans are a fantastic alternative to dental insurance. Many dental offices offer affordable packages that contain beneficial treatments, like yearly exams, x-rays, and cleanings. Be sure to inquire about other discounted treatments, like root canal therapy and dental restorations.
Versatile Payment Options
A dental office worth its salt will give you several options to pay for your bill. If a dentist limits payment options to specific possibilities (like only accepting major credit card carriers), then it may be worth exploring more patient-friendly options.
Is your dental office in-network with my insurance?
If you have dental insurance, then you may be responsible for finding a dental office in your area that is in-network. This means that you must find a provider that is contracted with the same insurance company that you utilize. Otherwise, you may end up paying for all out-of-network costs yourself, even if you do have insurance coverage elsewhere.
Our dental office in Lakewood is in-network with most Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans, including:
- MetLife
- Delta Dental
- Cigna
- BlueCross BlueShield
- Aetna
Even if a dentist does not accept your insurance, they may still submit insurance claims to your insurance provider on your behalf. If they do not, then try searching for a dental office that can help you navigate the tricky world of dental insurance instead.
What kind of dental tools do you use?
You may be familiar with traditional dental tools, like drills and sickle probes. But, these tools are antiquated and can be downright painful to most patients. So, if you’re looking for a dental office that prioritizes your comfort, then ask them about their dental tools.
Modern dental tools may include:
- Hard-tissue lasers
- Soft-tissue lasers
- Ultrasonic dental tools
- Electric handpieces
How do you address dental anxiety?
Are you one of the nearly 40% of Americans who fear common dental treatments? If so, then you’re not alone.
Dental anxiety is valid, and you do not have to justify your request for comfortable dental care. So, keep your eyes peeled for a dental office that offers safe and effective dental anxiety treatments.
At Lakewood Dental Group, we offer several anxiety-reducing treatments, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas). If you’re interested in learning more about dental anxiety and sedation dentistry, then let us know! We’ll gladly help you explore your options.
Contact Our Dental Office in Dallas, TX
Lakewood Dental Group is ready to be your trusted dental office in Dallas, TX. Start your journey with our team by calling us at (214) 827-1885, or send us a quick message here. Not ready to make an appointment just yet? Read some reviews from our happy and cherished patients here!
