Take a look at your smile in the mirror. Are your teeth starting to look a little discolored? If it's been a while since you last visited a dentist, your oral health and appearance will suffer.

You should visit your Fort Mill dentist every six months for a regular dental cleaning. Not sure how to choose a dental provider in Fort Mill, SC? Read on for nine tips to simplify choosing a dentist today.

1. Gather Referrals

Starting your search online could lead you down a rabbit hole. After all, there are over 185,990 dental businesses in the US. As the industry grows, more inexperienced dentists will start opening new practices.

Streamline your search by turning to friends, family members, and coworkers in Fort Mill. Ask if they can recommend a local dentist. If you have specific dental problems, search for a dentist based on the problems you're experiencing.

For example, perhaps you need an implant dentist or cosmetic dentistry services. Ask friends if they requested the same services in the past year.

Gathering personal referrals can help you narrow down your options based on real experiences. Learn more about each patient's most recent dental visit. For example, you can ask:

• Is the dentist experienced and knowledgeable?
• Where is the practice located?
• Is the staff friendly?
• Is the office clean?
• What services do they offer?
• Are you satisfied with your treatment results?
• Would you visit them again?

Ask each person you speak with if they experienced problems with the staff or dentist. If they did, ask what the team did to offer a solution. 

Look for a dentist people can't stop raving about. A dentist with a glowing reputation will want to keep it over time. They'll continue offering the best possible dental services.

If you're new to the area and can't gather referrals, that's okay! Use Healthgrades.com to find patient reviews online. 

2. Check Credentials

Before choosing a dentist, confirm that they have the necessary credentials. Determine where they completed their education and training. If they didn't graduate from an accredited dental institution, remove them from your list of options.

Determine when they graduated and where they went to school. If they graduated decades ago, they likely have more industry experience. However, the dentist should continue their education after graduating.

Dentists who encourage their teams to continue learning are more aware of industry trends. They'll apply better techniques and use state-of-the-art technology. Learn more about the tools each dentist uses in his or her office.

Choosing dentists who use the latest technology can improve your experience as a patient. 

Try to find a dental practice that has offered services in Fort Mill for years. These practices have outlasted competitors. It's likely they're doing something right. 

3. Review Services

Do you need dental services outside of regular dental cleanings? General and preventative care includes:

• Dental cleanings
• Oral hygiene
• Dental exams and X-rays
• Gum disease care
• Pediatric dental care
• Oral cancer screenings
• Snoring and sleep apnea treatment
• Night guards

These services can preserve your teeth and oral health. You're never too old to develop a cavity.

In fact, 20% of adults ages 65 and up have untreated cavities. About 25% of adults ages 45 and 64 also require treatment.

However, you may need cosmetic and restorative services as well. These can include Invisalign, oral surgery, dental crowns, and dental implants.

Find a dentist who offers a range of services. If you need to schedule a specific procedure in the future, you won't need to find another dentist. Instead, you can depend on the dentist you already know and love.

4. Consider Emergencies

You never know when an emergency may occur. Look for a dentist who also offers emergency dental services. These dentists are flexible and available outside of their normal office hours.

You'll have peace of mind knowing you can rely on your regular dentist when there's an emergency. 

5. Schedule a Consultation

As you begin narrowing down your options, schedule a consultation with two or three dentists on our list. Meeting them in person can help you gather more information. For example, you can determine if you're comfortable with their demeanor.

Prepare a list of questions you want to ask to fill in the gaps in your research. Learning as much as you can will help you make an informed choice.

6. Consult a Map

Check Google Maps to determine where each dental practice is located. Try to find dental practices near your home, your child's school, or your work.

Finding a practice nearby can help you avoid the stress of long drives. If there's an emergency, you'll have peace of mind knowing they're close. You won't want a long commute when you need dental care. 

7. Meet the Staff

During your consultation appointment, meet the staff. Look for a team that's professional, courteous, and welcoming. They should help you and your family members feel comfortable before treatments. 

8. Prioritize Comfort

After meeting three local dentists, review your notes and consider your consultation appointment. Were you comfortable around the dentist? 

Look for a dentist who knows how to put patients at ease. Make sure they are able to answer all your questions. If they don't communicate well, it could cause problems later.

9. Compare Costs

Ask each dental practice for an itemized list of all the dental services they offer. Compare the costs between three local practices. Comparing costs can help you recognize the average cost of dental services in Fort Mill.

If one practice charges more than the rest, question why.

Ask each practice if they accept your dental insurance plan. If they do, determine which services are covered. Most cosmetic dentistry services aren't covered under insurance.

Choose a practice that's in-network for a range of major insurances. If you don't have insurance, look for a practice that offers financing options. 

Find Dental Services in Fort Mill, SC

Finding dental services in Fort Mill, SC, shouldn't feel time-consuming. Use these tips to simplify your search. Find a dentist who offers the dental services you need to maintain a beautiful, healthy smile.

Want to simplify your search? At Core Dentistry, we tailor our services, scheduling, and office hours to the needs of our patients. Contact us today to schedule your next dental appointment!