It doesn’t matter if you’re a local or passing through on your way to a company retreat, toothaches can strike at the worst possible moments. Knowing where you can be seen by a licensed dentist is something that some of us struggle with, especially if it’s been a while since we last saw a dentist. 

Dentists can help treat a variety of ailments like tooth decay, gum disease, and infections but every place is different. Some might just do cleaning and teeth whitening procedures, while others carry more advanced equipment like panoramic x-ray machines. Some places won’t take emergency appointments too if they’re at capacity, which can make finding treatment hard. 

Here are the best practices for finding top-rated dentists in Surrey BC. 

Start with your insurance provider

You never know which dentist’s office will be able to take your insurance and which ones won’t. For example, Vivant Dental Clinic might be in your insurance company network but Healthy Smiles Dentistry may not be. While many dentist offices offer payment plans for those suffering the financial impact of Covid-19, it’s still important to know that your dentist is covered by insurance.  

Check to see what kind of care they provide

As I mentioned before, all dentists’ offices are different. Some specialize in child dentistry while others cater to geriatric care. Sometimes these groups don’t mix so if you’re looking for a dentist that will see you and your kids and your parents, then I’d consider finding a family dentist’s office. 

It’s also important to note that some dentist offices offer more than just teeth cleaning. Some might offer denture fittings or teeth whitening while other facilities offer oral surgery options and cancer treatments. For more details on different kinds of dentists and the individual care they provide, click the URL.

Make sure they can see you sooner rather than later

A dentist appointment can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to make sometimes but if you have a broken tooth or a sore mouth, you can’t afford to wait. Serious infection and trauma to the mouth will only worsen with time. 

If there’s nothing concerning you about your teeth or mouth, then maybe you won’t mind waiting a few months for your appointment. Ask about the offices’ wait times for things like teeth cleaning, denture fitting, and emergency care when you go to make an appointment. If a clinic is booked up to capacity, then you might find they have suggestions of other offices you can turn to for help with your dental care. 

Ask around

More than likely, you know one or two people who have been to a dentist in your area. Even if you’ve just moved to Surrey, you’ve probably met your coworkers or neighbors. Ask the people around you who they see for their oral health care needs.

You might find that they have a particular dentist they love or they know which offices to stay away from. You can even ask your old dentist’s office if you’re still in good standing with them. They’ll be able to refer you to someone in a different geographical location than them. 

Don’t be shy. People love to give recommendations and do so all the time. Even when you don’t ask for them! 

Check out professional listings

There should be a list of dentists from a dental association you can use to find your new dentist. This will ensure that a dentist is reputable, licensed, and well regarded within your local community. Many of the dentist association websites have a dentist locating feature on them for fast lookup too!

In the meantime…

Finding a good dentist is only one step in proper oral hygiene. Take care of your oral health before problems arise. Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day to keep your mouth happy and healthy. Flossing will also help reduce gum disease and poor breath. For more information on your oral health, click here. If you’re having trouble with your teeth, it might be a good idea to stop smoking and reduce your alcohol intake until you see a dentist to resolve the problem.