Joseph S LoParo II DMD PA

Joseph LoParo, D.M.D.

• American Dental Association
• North Carolina Dental Association
• Mecklenburg County Dental Society

Top 10 Critical Things You Should Know
Before You Select a General Dentist

Finding the right dental home will pay long term dividends in comfort and appearance and overall health.

1. Start with a consultation.

   Going in for a consultation is a great way to learn more about a dentist and dental practice. Consultations are generally inexpensive, and are sometimes even offered for free. Talk to the dentist before you commit to anything. Remember, it's your job to make an educated decision.

2. Communication is key.

   It's essential that you be able to talk to your dentist - and that your dentist will listen to you! There's a lot of dialogue that needs to go into an individual long-term treatment plan. If you feel bullied, pressured, or rushed, then that's probably not the right dentist for you.

3. Don't pay too much - or too little.

   Some dentists charge more by marketing themselves as high-end luxury dentists offering cosmetic smile makeovers. Other dentists try to make up for poor materials and shoddy work by offering low prices. Beware the extremes.

4. An honest dentist sets realistic expectations.

   Watch out for doctors who promise more than they can deliver. You want a dentist who will tell you what can and cannot be done for your smile. You need to know how long the process will take, what you'll have to do, and any complications that could occur.

5. Nothing compares to experience.

   Much like other people, dentists get better at things the more they do them. Ideally, your dentist will have lots of experience with wisdom teeth in general and with cases like yours specifically.

6. Educate yourself on the various forms of sedation.

   Most patients choose to be sedated during the uncomfortable wisdom tooth removal process. Sedation methods include inhalation anesthesia, which you may know this as "laughing gas"; oral conscious sedation, which involves taking a sedative pill; intravenous sedation, where you're hooked up to an IV by a dentist with advanced training; and general anesthesia, which requires a trained anesthesiologist.

7. Ask about follow-up treatment.

   No matter how smoothly your wisdom tooth extraction goes, you're still going to want pain medication during your recovery. Make sure the dentist you select has a follow-up plan should you have any complications such as dry sockets.

8. Technology is cool, but it's not the only thing.

   A dentist with high-tech modern equipment is more likely to be up-to-date on modern techniques. At the same time, however, don't let yourself be dazzled by a dentist's fancy tools; what really matters is if the dentist knows how to use them properly.

9. Ask about references and recommendations.

   Word of mouth can provide valuable insights. Learn more about your potential new dentist by asking around. Do other medical and dental professionals refer patients to this dentist? Do past patients recommend this dentist?