Would you change dentist offices...

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(burritos @ May 6 2007, 09:09 PM) [snapback]436580[/snapback]</div>

If you don't feel a sense of loyalty to the office you've been using, then you should try it. If I felt that the service was just as good, I'd probably change.

In my circumstance, there are dentists closer to my house/work now, but I have loyalty to my current dentist, tho', cause they provide what I consider better service (availability of appts., love the staff, love the dentists, etc...)

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(burritos @ May 6 2007, 08:09 PM) [snapback]436580[/snapback]</div>

Not unless I was forced to or if I experience a problem.

 

I would take into careful consideration the dentist's training and experience and accreditations, the quality and age of his dental equipment, patient references, along with the caliber of his dental and undergrand education, and then choose the place with the cutest dental assistants.

 

For us ... a crown is a crown is a crown. Does he take insurance as full payment? Bam. Instant loyalty. If he's just down the road a block? So much the better! I can walk home!

 

I know there are dentists within walking distance of my house, but I stick with mine because I've been with him for years (back when he WAS the closest dentist to where I lived), thus he knows my quirks and dental history. Medical work (which dental work is) is not like a sweater where one you get somewhere is basically the same as one you can get anywhere else.

So yeah, if you've been going to your dentist for a few years and are happy, stick with him. If you've only been with him a year or two, switch (of course, as mentioned, checking out the credentials of the new dentist first).

I love where I live, though, because my vet and my accountant are both within walking distance (and they both happen to be really, really good, too).

 

I switched dentists last year to one closer to home and have been very pleased in doing so. I had been seeing my old dentist for years. His office is about 25 miles from me. The new dentist is about 6 miles from me.

 

No. I'm picky about my Dentist (and my doctor and my hairstylist for that matter.)

A crown is not a crown is not a crown.

I had Western Dental and they were butchers. When my old dentist retired I tried the guy that took over his practice but after he botched the fit on a crown three times in a row (I had a temporary for six weeks) I looked for a new dentist.

I lucked in to the one I have now by breaking a tooth and needing a repair in an emergency. This dentist was listed in my dental plan and he's turned out to be excellent. They know my mouth very well. I value service so no, I would not switch. They are about 10 miles from me, but close to my parents house so I combine a visit to them with a trip to the dentist. Same with my haircuts. I go to my mother's hairstylist so a haircut is a visit with the parents.

 

I drive 45 miles 1 way to see my dentist. I've been going there for 20 some-odd years. I like the work done there and feel comfortable; to me that is worth a lot in a dentist!

 

I was going to the same denist for about 40 years. My last time there he was going to do a root canal on an upper right side tooth. When he started working on a lower left tooth I knew it was time to look for a new denist.

 

I value competence in a dentist above all else.

Lucky for me, I've found an excellent dentist, and I wouldn't change to another one if you held a gun on me.

He's also right in town, within walking distance.

Harry

 

i got my current dentist by referral when i moved here from california. when we moved to a new town i kept the same dentist so i have to travel a bit to get there. (don't know the mileage but it takes me about 30 mins.) i haven't had any serious interaction with the dentist himself, but the rest of the staff is wonderful! the same thing applies for my primary care physician. if it ain't broke don't fix it...lol. but, sometimes change can be good!

 

No, unless I was looking for a new dentist. I only go once a year, or at most every six months. There wouldn't be enough gain to justify the bother.

Tom

 

In the medical profession it can be difficult to find a doctor you can trust. In my case when I find someone who I am comfortable with and I know does quality work I stick with them, no matter the distance travelled (heck I once travelled out of state for a dentist)

I think your in a situation where a change wouldn't necessarily be a major thing for you. You may like him, but you really have not had any work done to indicate whether he is someone to be loyal to.

Try the new place out and see if you notice any differences in treatment (Office, Dental Hygenist..etc) and you will have your answer.

 

I see the dentist once a year, so the distance is a minor factor. However, dentistry has changed a lot in the last decade or two, and a younger dentist may be more up-to-date. Since your teeth are good and you never need any work beyond cleaning, it's a relatively minor thing which dentist you see. In your case, I'd probably try out the nearby dentist. But as seldom as you need to see a dentist, it's a minor matter.

 

Make sure your dentist is board certified. (I have a sister-in-law who is a RDH, registered dental hygientist.)

You definitely want a dentist that has the up-to-date knowledge, expertise, to go along with the up-to-date state of the art equipment.

If you have bad teeth and gums, it can pose serious health problems.
But the fact that you don't doesn't mean that something won't come up in the future.

My mother-in-law, she's about 80 some, her dentist years ago screwed her teeth up bad big time! About 10 years or maybe longer, ago, she had to have most of her teeth pulled and implants grafted in. Time consuming not to mention $$$$$$!

So you might want to reconsider whether or not you really want to switch dentists. If you are satisfied with them, I would say stick with them until you are not. Then look for a more qualified and competent one but only then.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hill @ May 6 2007, 09:48 PM) [snapback]436625[/snapback]</div>

I'm not sure if I agree; some time ago, a 'bad' dentist really made a mess of what should have been a simple filling...I would have gladly paid more/driven a teensy bit farther to not have to endure the discomfort of their repeat attempts at making it right.

Also, as we age (even if we take good care of our teeth) the likelihood that we'll need more major work goes up...which makes me even more loyal to my current dentist. Cleanings are one thing but (for example) a crown is lots more major and requires a significant amount of craftsmanship and experience on the part of the dentist.

I've seen the same dentist for almost 20 years and won't switch unless I have to. I'd switch physicians before I'd switch dentists (and that's not a comment on my physician, either!)