Finding a dentist in your network
A good first step is to contact your dental insurance company for a list of providers. The American Dental Association also has a search tool that lets you filter by specialty, and every dentist listed is an ADA member.
Online listings can be out of date, because offices change the insurance plans they work with. Before you book, call and ask whether the office accepts your plan.
General dentist or specialist?
Start by thinking about the kind of care you need. A general dentist handles routine exams and cleanings and treats many common problems, including cavities, cracked or broken teeth and gum disease. More complex needs may call for a specialist, who has extra years of training in one area:
- Endodontics: diagnosing tooth pain and performing root canal treatment
- Pediatric dentistry: care for children from birth through adolescence
- Periodontics: gum disease and damage to gum tissue
- Prosthodontics: repairing and replacing broken or missing teeth and jaw structures
- Oral surgery: surgery of the mouth and jaw
- Orthodontics: correcting teeth, jaws and bites that are out of position
Your general dentist can recommend the right specialist, follow up with you afterward and watch for complications.
When to see a dentist
People of every age need regular dental care. Many wait until something hurts, but some serious problems, such as gum disease or an infected tooth, cause little or no pain. Most dentists recommend a checkup twice a year, and some patients need to come more often.
Do not wait if a problem shows up between visits. Call us right away for mouth or jaw pain, bleeding gums, a loose or cracked tooth or a knocked-out tooth. Treating it early saves time, trouble and discomfort.
What to bring up at your visit
Tell the team about any change in your health, any new medication and anything you have noticed in your teeth or gums. After the cleaning and exam, use the time to ask questions. Patients often ask us:
- Which toothbrush and toothpaste should I use?
- Do I or my child need orthodontic care?
- Should my children get dental sealants, and when?
- How often should my family come in for checkups?
- What are my options for whitening?
- I am planning a pregnancy. Should I change my dental routine?
- What should I do in an after-hours emergency?
- How can I protect my teeth while playing sports?
Share your lifestyle, preferences and concerns, and we will tailor our advice to you. Not sure about a word you hear? Our dental terminology guide explains the most common ones.
Common questions
How often do I need to see a dentist?
Most people need an exam and cleaning every six months. Regular visits keep plaque from building up and let us treat problems while they are small.
I have not been to the dentist in a long time. Where do I start?
Book a checkup as soon as you can and tell us when you were last seen. If it has been more than a year, you may need a deeper cleaning, more X-rays or extra screenings. There is no need to feel embarrassed. We are glad to help you get back on track.
How should I care for my teeth at home?
Brush twice a day for at least two minutes with a soft-bristled brush, floss, and rinse. Limit sticky, sugary foods that trap bacteria along the gum line, and wear a mouth guard when you play sports.
What counts as a dental emergency?
A cracked, chipped or broken tooth, a loose or knocked-out tooth, a missing filling, and oral pain or bleeding. Call your dentist right away. If you cannot reach us, go to an emergency clinic or the hospital rather than waiting.
I do not like how my teeth look. What are my options?
Cosmetic options include crowns, implants, bridges, dentures, teeth straightening and whitening. They can close gaps, replace missing teeth and brighten your smile. Not every office offers every service, so ask what is available.