Raleigh, NC residents looking for a dentist could find themselves in a difficult situation if they try to narrow down the options to meet their needs. The state’s patient/dentist ratios are low for most of the country. Raleigh is fortunate to have the UNC Dental School nearby. There are more than 250 general dentists available in Raleigh, so don’t forget about the subspecialties.
There are many general dentists in Raleigh. Many choose to concentrate on children (pediatric dentistry) because there are so many. You may be confused by the services offered by other types of dentists, especially if your promotional materials about Raleigh dentists don’t make it clear. The following categories are only areas of interest that have to do specifically with Raleigh’s dental practice. This is an age of specialization and it makes sense for Raleigh dentists to be responsive to the needs of different patients. It is not possible to use the same method for selecting a dentist in all areas of North Carolina, especially rural ones where there may only be a handful of dentists trying to meet the needs of an entire community. Plans for a second school of dentistry in the state have been launched recently.
These are the most commonly used categories by general dentists in Raleigh. These definitions will help you make the right decision for your situation. These definitions are not formally defined by either the American Dental Association or the NC Dental Board. They are not subject to any regulations, except where they are indicated. The NC Dental Board requires all general dentists to meet certain guidelines. General dentists in Raleigh can choose to be called any of these names (except where additional requirements are required, which have been discussed below). The best way to reduce the number of 250 dentists in Raleigh is to use the first four categories, if applicable. You will be able to narrow down the field even faster if you need Sedation Dentistry. In June 2009, Raleigh had six Oral Conscious Sedation dentists certified by the NC Dental Board.
-Cosmetic Dentistry: Dentists who do work that is primarily cosmetic in nature. In other words, they offer services that enhance your smile.
Sedation Dentistry – A dentist who provides additional sedation services beyond the standard anesthetics used in most general dentists to manage anxiety and pain sensitivity. The NC Dental Board regulates the administration and use of sedation by general dental practitioners. This regulation was implemented in 2009. It requires both special training as well as experience from those who offer sedation services. There are several levels of sedation permits. Patients who have anxiety or sensitivity to pain will be able to receive Oral Conscious Sedation.
-Implant Dentistry: Dentists who offer dental implants (replacements of your natural teeth) as an alternative to dentures or bridges. These can be used with dentures or bridges to give them greater stability and/or a more natural look.
-Comprehensive Dentistry: Dentists who want to be full-service providers for patients, avoiding the need to refer them to specialists. They may offer preventive and cosmetic dentistry services as well as orthodontic and periodontal services. This type of dentist may have more training to provide a wider range of services. Check the experience. They offer convenience and a full understanding of each patient’s needs, preferences, and general health. This makes all aspects of dental care more personalized and easy for patients. Although this is a new practice, it is rapidly growing in popularity.
Preventive Dentistry is a group of dentists that focuses on maintaining healthy teeth and gums, as well as the prevention of cavities. General dentists are trained in preventive and restorative dentistry (fillings, crowns etc.). To maintain good oral health, it is important to have a general dentist who has been trained in preventive dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry is often not covered by insurance. Preventive care is more likely to get at least partial coverage.
Family Dentistry – Dentists who treat patients of all ages, as opposed to pediatric dentists. Family dentists are more likely to provide preventive services than they are to offer cosmetic dentistry.
You now know the different types of general dentistry services available to Raleigh dentists. Don’t be confused if some dentists fall under more than one category. You can choose as many categories that you think are relevant to your needs or those of your family. Raleigh dentists are located in the “cradle” of technology, so most likely they will have websites that outline their focus areas. This is especially true for dentists that fall within the first four categories. You can use a search engine to locate the dentists that interest you, and then you can explore their experience and range of services within each focus area.
