Choosing the right periodontist in Toronto involves more than hopping online, and contacting the first option that comes your way.
You need to consider a range of other aspects if you are to find the best periodontist for you.
Toronto has no shortage of dentist – a walk down the busy streets or a simple Google search will prove this true.
Nevertheless, finding the right dentist for you is still a hard nut to crack. Of the many options, only a few dozens specialize in periodontal care.
And of this number, only a handful will deliver the right kind of care you hoped for.
So, the question now becomes, how do you identify the right periodontist for you?
Before we answer that, let’s make sure we are on the same page regarding who a periodontist is, and what he/she does.
Who is a periodontist?
This dentist specializes in treating specific oral health problems that can result in debilitating dental issues.
A periodontist helps in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease as well as the installation of dental implants.
They also can treat oral inflammation. A periodontist gets extensive training in these areas of dentistry and spends three more years of learning beyond dental school.
You should see a periodontist when:
- You notice a change in your bite
- Have red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Your gums are receding
- Your teeth feel loose
- You have pain and discomfort
Although a dentist can diagnose and treat different oral health problems, a periodontist specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal diseases and placement of dental implants.
In some cases, a dentist will address minor gum issues, but will often refer you to a periodontist for a severe problem.
Here are five tips for picking the right periodontist in Toronto:
Are they specialized?
As you may have realized, not all dentists are periodontists. The difference comes with the years of training and industry specialization
A periodontist spends three more years on top of the years they spent in dental school to master the procedures.
What that means is that they are better placed to offer exceptional services even for more complicated oral issues than traditional dentists do.
Therefore, the first thing that you should establish before committing to service is whether the dentist in question is specialized or not.
Are they board certified?
Don’t just take their word for it, go right ahead and ensure that the dentist is a board certified periodontist.
It’s an added advantage if he or she is a Diplomate because a Diplomate has significant achievements beyond the mandatory educational requirements and is the highest-level achievement in the periodontal field.
On top of educational needs, the periodontist is always required to continue with education to get a re-certification of continued competency.
Can you see before and after cases?
One great thing about dental treatment is that you can always compare the before and after images to tell the difference.
So, before you sign up for periodontal services, you may want to request for before and after pictures of some of the past works that the dentist has handled.
It’s a good idea to look at pictures of conditions that are similar to yours to know what to expect.
Ideally, a good periodontist for you is one who has successfully handled cases of similar nature to yours.
Industry Reputation
Find a periodontist who is known for their excellent works.
Take time to go through customer testimonials as well as third-party reviews to see what other people are saying about the doctor.
You can then use your best judgment based on the result.
Your comfort
You won’t be able to determine this until you have met or contacted the periodontist.
But once you have narrowed down your search based on the criteria mentioned above, you can now focus on how comfortable you are with the doctor.
The right doctor for you is one whom you feel free with, and who gives you care, attention, and education you deserve.
If you are the type that fears dental procedures, it may also be a good idea to learn about the available sedation options upfront.
Mike Haynes is a Fitness & Nutritionist Who Believes in Living a Healthy Lifestyle. He Loves to write about Fitness & Nutrition. He is also an expert advisor of Medical billing company which is dedicated to providing accurate billing of patients, daily fitness tips, detailed fitness guides & fitness gear reviews.