How Do I Pick a Good Dentist?

Louisville has lots of “family dentists“, “cosmetic dentists“, “we cater to cowards dentists” and now even “advanced cosmetic dentists“.

Trying to work out who’s right for you is probably pretty confusing, especially when so many dentists are claiming to be experts.

Truth be known, “family dentistry” never was and never will be a speciality and, “cosmetic dentistry” is just about on any dental sign these days.  Who is not a cosmetic dentist?

So the question remains:

How do I pick a good dentist?

 Perhaps you already have a dentist that you are very happy with and would never change.  But, if you are looking for a dentist at the moment, here is what I have to offer.

A simple concept

My dental practice is based on a very simple and very old idea:

“Do unto others as you would have them do onto you”.  That’s right – The Golden Rule.   So, how does The Golden Rule translate into dentistry?  Please let me give you a few examples:

The office is state-of-the-art

When I have dental treatment done for myself I want it done as well as today’s technology will allow.  I want treatment that looks great, feels great and lasts as long as possible.  This cannot be achieved using 1970s, 1980s or even 1990s technology.  Dentistry is evolving fast and I invest time in keeping up so that whatever treatment I do, I know that it’s the best around.

I do not use amalgam (mercury) fillings

Having three children made me realize that I could never use amalgam.  I wouldn’t even consider putting amalgam in their teeth, so in good conscience I could not put it in any one else’s.  Quite simply – I believe amalgam is second-rate.

I recommend for you exactly the treatment I chose for myself.

Every treatment recommendation I make for you is what I would choose for myself.  That means I would never recommend a denture if there is a better alternative and I never recommend patch ups or short-term solutions.  What I do is look at your teeth and give you straight advice – the treatment I would choose for my family, my best friend or myself.

I only do treatment I can do very well

I am sure you have heard the expression “Jack of all trades, master of none”.  I decided that at Ideal Dentistry I would focus on things I do really well.  At Ideal Dentistry I only do adult restorative dentistry – that is I look after adults who want their teeth restored, enhanced and maintained.  I do not routinely see children less than 12 years of age, I do not extract wisdom teeth unless they are simple and I don’t do treatment I don’t believe in.

An adult environment with no waiting

When I go to a doctor I don’t want to be kept waiting an hour in a room, with tatty magazines to read and a crowd of people all around me.  So you’ll notice my client lounge is a little bit different.  It’s modern, sunny, and we have an espresso machine.  There are quality coffee table books to read.  But, nice as it is, you won’t spend long there because the chances are better than 95% that I’ll see you on time.

Personalized attention

Have you ever been to a dental office where the dentist was hopping around from room to room or, even worse, where you never knew which dentist you were seeing until they turned up?  That’s not what I would want.  So, at Ideal Dentistry, I am the only dentist and I set aside the time to focus 100% on you.  You’ll find you get your dentistry done in a lot less appointments this way.

Limited openings

Ideal Dentistry commenced in January 2006.  By the reaction and acceptance so far we are obviously filling a need in the area.  We are not a high volume office.

Please may I make a suggestion

If you decide that this is the kind of treatment you want, then here is what you do.  The first step is to have a thorough check-up and get any needed x-rays.  When you’ve had that done I’ll be able to tell you the full story about your teeth, give you clear, no-mucking around recommendations and an exact cost for any treatment you need.  Where you go from there is up to you, but if you like what you’ve read here I hope you stay around and bring your friends.