According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, oral health in the United States has improved overall. For example, a mere 12% of adults aged 20 to 64 have not seen a dentist within the past 5 years. In contrast, 60% have seen a dentist in the past year. Encouragingly, a quarter of adults state that the condition of their teeth is very good or excellent.

Seeing a dentist regularly will allow these types of statistics to continue. Choosing the right dentist does not have to be a difficult process. Various dentists and dental care professionals are available all over North America. Do not hesitate to contact one today to discuss options.

General Dentist and Dental Care Services

Dentists and dental care professionals provide a variety of general services.

These include complete exams, X-rays, dental cleanings, fillings, root canals, and extractions. In addition, many dentists offer preventative care and periodontal therapy. In addition, dentists provide:

• Cosmetic Dentistry – This includes teeth whitening, composite and porcelain veneers. Composite veneers are less costly than porcelain veneers, are usually available on the same day, and are applied directly to the tooth. On the other hand, porcelain veneers, while more expensive, are much more durable and composed of stronger material than composite veneers. They can last 10 to 15 years, as opposed to the 5 to 7 of composite veneers. They are also the most natural looking. Lumineers are also often available. Lumineers are much thinner than traditional veneers and do not require removing a significant amount of tooth surface.

• Crowns, Bridges, and Partial Dentures – Dental crowns cover cavities, improve one’s smile, and protect weak teeth. They are the quickest way to restore damaged teeth.  Bridges hold one or more artificial teeth. Finally, partial dentures are comprised of artificial teeth. Complete dentures are often available as well.

• Implants – Dental implants can be defined as replacement tooth roots. Benefits include improved appearance, improved speech, improved comfort, easier eating, improved self-esteem, durability, convenience, and improved oral health.

Specialized Dentist and Dental Care Services

A variety of dentists and dental care professionals also offer specialized services. These include orthodontics, cleft and craniofacial disorders, temporomandibular joint disorders and or facial pain, oral and maxillofacial surgery, pediatric dentistry, and prosthodontics.

Choosing a dental professional can be overwhelming. However, asking friends, coworkers, and loved ones for recommendations is an option. Most people have a favourite dentist. Do not hesitate to ask.

In addition, it is possible to browse review websites to see ratings of dental professionals.

Other recommendations include browsing one’s local dental society, to find local dentists in one’s area. Dental schools are also options for those who limited funds.

However, the best way to choose a dental professional is to book a consultation. Ensure that the dentist make one feel comfortable. In addition, ensure that they have the proper education, training, and credentials. Be sure to visit their websites and look through their portfolios.

Be sure to ask questions. These include asking the dentist to explain ways to prevent dental problems, how they deal with dental emergencies outside of office hours, and if the staff is familiar with dental plans or if financing of treatments is available.

Choose an office that is close to one’s home or work. No one enjoys commuting in traffic or taking public transit across the city after dental procedures. In addition, make sure that the office hours are convenient.

Costs of Dental Care

Dental care costs varies and depends on the dentist’s reputation, geographical location, type of procedure needed, and condition of teeth. Experienced dentists often change much more than less experienced ones. In addition, dentists in small towns in the centre of the country, charge much less than those in major cities and the coasts.

In the United States, composite veneers cost between $250 and $1,500 USD per tooth. Averages are $480 to $810 USD per tooth.

In the United States, porcelain veneers begin from $735 to $1390 USD per tooth. Similarly, in Canada, they cost from $450 to $1,800 CAD.

In the United States, Lumineers cost $705 to $1370 USD per tooth, while in Canada they range from $800 to $2,000 CAD per tooth.

Teeth whitening ranges from $650 USD for complete in-office service and $400 USD for take home trays.

Other treatments, such as root canals range from $800 to $1,800 USD, while root canal obstructions cost $400 USD. Dental cleanings costs $75 to $200 USD, with an average of $127 USD. $100 to $300 USD should be added for X-rays as well. Although these prices are in USD, costs are similar in Canada as well.