Did you know dental care can be just as important as heart care and that regular dental checkups prevent disease and detect early-stage oral cancers before they begin to spread? Dental care is an integral part of your overall health care, but it’s very common to struggle with finding the right dentist. Luckily, there are many dentists in Bellevue who offer a wide range of services specific to you and your family’s dental care needs. Here’s a few things to consider when looking for a dentist in Bellevue:
Location, location, location!
The American Dental Association recommends that the average patient visit the dentist every six months for a checkup and teeth cleaning. If you’re planning on making the journey to your Bellevue dentist biannually (or more often if you have ongoing dental care problems), he or she should be as close as possible. Distance is often one of the biggest deterrents for patients and it’s never a good idea to put travel time ahead of your health.
Services
No two dentists are exactly the same; one dentist might specialize in root canals and another in cosmetic dentistry. If you have a history of dental care problems, you will need to find a specialist who can offer you a treatment plan unique to your needs. In fact, the same goes for most dental care services. For example, if you have a teenager who needs braces or a retainer, these services might not be available at your local dental office. In this case, you would need to see a second specialist if you require these services.
Money
Dental care plans can be complicated. Most dental procedures are not covered by standard health insurance plans, so many patients will purchase dental insurance for themselves or their family. However, just because you have dental insurance doesn’t mean it will cover every service you want or need. Most cosmetic dentistry procedures (such as teeth whitening or veneers) aren’t covered. Orthodontics, another common dental care service, is often only partially covered by insurance plans. It’s also wise to talk to your dentist and insurance company to find out what services are available to you free of personal charge.
If you take these three points into consideration when searching for a dentist in the Bellevue area, you’re sure to find the perfect dentist for you and your family with little effort. If you’d like to book an appointment with Smiles of Bellevue and Eastside Smiles, contact us today.
