Items to consider when selecting a Walnut Creek dentist who is best suited to meet you and your family’s dental needs:

Start your dental search is with either a family or general dentist.  A Walnut Creek general dentist is licensed to diagnose dental and oral conditions, they develop the treatment plans and provide the actual treatment.  When determined by you and you Walnut Creek general or family dentist, they may refer you to a more specialized dental practitioner such as a Walnut Creek Cosmetic Dentist.  Walnut Creek dentists have one of two designations as either DMD (Doctore of Dental Medicine) or DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery).

Walnut Creek Dentists receive assistance from dental hygienists and dental assistants.  Walnut Creek dental hygienists perform professional teeth cleanings.  The designations for hygienists are the following RDH (Registered Dental Hygienist), or RDHEF (Registered Dental Hygienist with Extended Functions).

A Walnut Creek Dental assistant will assist a Walnut Creek Dentist during a procedure, perhaps to set up anesthesia, expose and develop radiographs or perform other general tasks.  U.S. law mandates that dental hygienists and dental assistance must work under the supervision of a dentist.

What to Consider When Choosing your Walnut Creek Dentist

In the process of selecting a Walnut Creek dentist and corresponding Walnut Creek dental practice based on a need for Walnut Creek cosmetic dentistry procedures (teeth whitening, porcelain veneers) or restorative procedures (dental fillings, dental crowns), it is important to consider the following:

• What is the extent of the Walnut Creek Cosmetic dentist’s training and clinical experience in performing the actual procedure you are in need of?  Not all Walnut Creek dentists are trained in specific cosmetic dental procedure you are looking for.
• Consider the different variations of the dental procedure you are seeking. Porcelain veneers, can serve both an esthetic and functional need. A procedure that satisfies both needs is likely the best option when compared with a standard functional restoration offering no esthetic benefit.  You will need to investigate which Walnut Creek dentists have bothe the training and experience to perform the procedure that best meets your needs.
• How long has the dentist and the practice been in business?
• What professional dental societies is the dentist a part of? Many societies require dentists to take class for continuing education to keep them up-to-date on the latest procedures and technological advances in the field.
• Before committing yourself to a Walnut Creek dentist, identify the options that would solve you and your family’s Walnut Creek cosmetic dental needs.
• Where Walnut Creek dentists do not perform certain procedures, ask about their referral set up.
• Are the Dentist available on weekends or after hours in the event of an emergency.
• What are the amenities available?
• What kind of comforts are offered to the patient?  such as pre-medication, nitrous oxide, etc.
• If your needs include Walnut Creek cosmetic dental procedures, ask to see the dentist’s previous work including before-and-after photos. Bring a picture of the result you would like to see to help set a reasonable expectation for your procedure’s outcome with the help of you cosmetic dentist.
• Is the Walnut Creek dentist and office friendly and courteous? You may not want to see a Walnut Creek dentist long term if you don’t feel comfortable with the dentist and staff.
• Is the Walnut Creek dentist office conveniently located?