Your choice of dentist is as important to your dental health as brushing and flossing every day. A lousy dentist may transform minor treatments into excruciating procedures with long-term implications, not to mention draining your budget on unnecessary dental practices.
So, how can you identify a terrible dentist before it’s too late?
In this blog, we’ll go over typical warning signs of a terrible dentist so you can avoid them and discover a decent one who merits your confidence.
Warning Signs Of A Bad Dentist
Poor Dental Experiences, Such As Poor Hygiene
There is no room for error when it comes to hygiene in dental clinics. Dental equipment comes into direct contact with your mouth (frequently with exposed gums or tissue), thus any delay in sterilisation poses a significant health risk. Contaminated equipment can spread illnesses, including hepatitis, oral thrush, and potentially serious bacterial infections, which can cause tooth loss or systemic sickness. So, when you step into a dental facility, conduct a short cleanliness audit. Are the tools sealed? Are gloves replaced regularly? Enquire about the staff’s disinfection methods. Reputable clinics will not hesitate to explain how they keep stringent sanitary standards, which are essential for maintaining oral health.
Gets You In The Door and Tries To Upsell Unnecessary Treatments
Any dentist who exaggerates or scares you into obtaining treatment is merely attempting to extract as much money as possible from your wallet, so consider seeking another dentist. A key red flag is when basic testing, such as X-rays, results in referrals for sophisticated and expensive treatment plans. It is just unrealistic to expect a 10-minute teeth whitening consultation to result in tooth extraction and denture fitting, especially without a thorough dental visit. Avoid salesy dentists like the plague. These upsells not only deplete your budget, but they also expose you to avoidable pain, problems, and lengthy recovery times, all for operations you may not have required in the first place due to an inadequate treatment plan.
High Turnover Of Dentistry Staff
Clinics that often lose personnel typically have greater issues behind the surface. And they are rarely trivial. Consider this: if the clinic owner does not treat their personnel with dignity, do you truly believe they would prioritise your health and comfort as a patient? High turnover frequently indicates toxic management, poor communication, and dubious ethics. Worse, if new dentists are constantly cycling in, you will receive subpar dental care, contradicting views, and repeating diagnostics, all of which can impede your progress or lead to misdiagnosis. If you observe a different face at each appointment, that clinic should not be handling your long-term dental treatment.
Poor Reviews Of Their Dental Care
Customer responses and reviews are the best indicators of a dentist who has a good reputation and patient experience. Google is good for searching local dentists and their reputations as well. Type in the name of the clinic, and look up at least 100 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 stars or above. Be especially mindful of the negative reviews; ascertain the issues that caused them and, more significantly, how the clinic dealt with them. And, go to their Facebook page and click on the ‘Reviews’ tab. Take a closer look at how they handle feedback. Are they engaged, polite, and reliable? Take unfavourable emotions or unaddressed issues as warning signals of a bad dentist. Poor Quality Dental Work
Modern dentistry has also rendered the procedures faster, less painful, and longer-lasting, surpassing the dental visits of old. But if you don’t feel better or you are having to come back regularly for “maintenance” and still don’t get any real relief, you are not in good hands.
Poor Quality Dental Work
Modern dentistry has made procedures quicker, more painless, and less maintenance-intensive than ever before, enhancing the overall dental visit experience.
If you’re regularly returning for maintenance or feeling worse after your sessions, you’re not in good hands. Here are some indicators of poor dental work:
- Fillings come out easily; proper fillings should last 5 to 15 years. If yours fail within months, it indicates inadequate bonding or technique.
- Ongoing discomfort following procedures: Some discomfort is expected after dental procedures (particularly major surgeries), but pain that lasts longer than a week or two typically indicates a problem.
- Infections and oedema are frequently caused by poor sterilisation and hygiene conditions.
- Constant repair or adjustment: Quality dental treatment should endure for years and not require repairs or tweaks every few days.
How to Find A Good Dentist
Focus On The Dentist and Patient Relationship
Trustworthy clinics are upfront about everything, including price and procedures. They exhibit genuine testimonials, educate patients with booklets or films, and foster an environment in which you feel heard. If a clinic keeps things shady or ignores your queries, move away.
Get A Second Opinion If Necessary
Before making a decision, it’s a good idea to speak with several clinics. One dentist may estimate you £500 for a root canal, while another may try to upsell you on £5,000 worth of veneers. Consider how they explain your illness and whether they provide a clear treatment plan. Are they assisting you or promoting high-cost treatments? Try to determine whether someone is giving real advice or is merely pursuing your money.
Southside Dental Care – Your Trustworthy Dentist
Even though Southside Dental Care Glasgow is a reputable dental practice known for its commitment to patient care.Aims to promote oral health in a good way, it’s important to be mindful of what can happen if you don’t take care of your teeth and gums regularly. We are here to help you keep your mouth healthy, which should lead to a healthy body as well. Visit our website today and book an appointment!
