Choosing a dentist is an important decision. Whether you have recently moved to the area, are looking for a new dental home, or simply want to find a practice that better suits your needs, it can help to know what to look for.

If you are searching for a dentist in Urbandale, IA, or a dentist in Des Moines, IA, you will find a number of practices to choose from. While location and convenience are important, there are several other factors worth considering before you make an appointment.

At Plaza Dental Group, we believe patients should feel comfortable asking questions and understanding their options. Here are some of the things we recommend considering when choosing a dental practice for yourself or your family.

1. Get to Know the Dental Team

One of the first things to consider is who will be looking after your dental health.

Take some time to learn about the dentists at a practice, including their education, professional experience, areas of interest, and approach to patient care. It can help you feel more comfortable knowing a little about the people who will be providing your care.

At Plaza Dental Group, you can learn more about our dentists and dental professionals through our Meet the Dentists page. 

We believe that building a good relationship with your dental team is an important part of long-term oral health.

2. Look at the Services Available

Your dental needs can change over time. You may need nothing more than regular examinations and cleanings today, but in the future you could require restorative, cosmetic, orthodontic, periodontal, or other dental treatment.

For that reason, it can be helpful to choose a practice that offers a range of services.

Our general dentistry services are designed to support your ongoing oral health, from routine preventive care to treatment for existing dental concerns. We also offer a range of additional services, including cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, oral surgery, orthodontics, periodontal care, pediatric dentistry, and more.

Having access to different types of care within one dental practice can make treatment more convenient and help provide continuity as your needs change.

3. Find Out What to Expect at Your First Appointment

Starting with a new dentist can sometimes feel uncertain, especially if you do not know what your first appointment will involve.

Before booking, it is perfectly reasonable to ask what will happen during your initial visit. You may want to know whether the appointment includes a comprehensive examination, dental imaging, a discussion of your dental history, or a conversation about any concerns you have.

You should also feel comfortable asking how findings will be explained and whether your dentist will discuss treatment options with you.

Our new patient information provides details to help you prepare for your first visit. We want new patients to know what to expect and have the information they need before they arrive.

4. Choose a Dentist Who Communicates Clearly

Good communication is an important part of dental care.

You should be able to ask questions, discuss concerns, and understand why a particular treatment may be recommended. If you are given several options, your dentist should be willing to explain the differences so you can make an informed decision.

Our patients often mention communication and the way our team interacts with them in their reviews. For example, patients have described our team as friendly and helpful, while others have highlighted the time our dentists take to listen and explain treatment.

Of course, every patient’s experience is different, but these comments can give you an idea of what other people value about their visits.

You can read more experiences from our patients on our patient reviews page.

5. Ask How Dental Technology Is Used

Modern dental technology can play an important role in diagnosis and treatment.

When comparing dental practices, however, it is worth looking beyond a simple list of technology. Instead, ask how the technology is actually used to benefit your care.

Digital imaging, for example, can help your dentist identify and assess dental problems and plan appropriate treatment. Other technology may assist with restorative procedures, examinations, or treatment planning.

The important question is not simply whether a practice has modern technology, but whether that technology is being used in a way that helps provide appropriate, efficient, and understandable care.

6. Read Patient Reviews — But Look Beyond the Star Rating

Online reviews can be useful when you are researching a new dentist.

Rather than looking only at the overall rating, read what patients actually say. Do they mention friendly staff? Clear explanations? Thorough examinations? Comfortable appointments? Good communication?

Specific comments can tell you much more about a patient’s experience than a star rating alone.

At Plaza Dental Group, we are grateful for the feedback our patients choose to share. Reviews can help prospective patients get a sense of what others have experienced, while your own visit will ultimately help you decide whether a practice is right for you.

7. Consider Location and Appointment Convenience

Even the right dental practice needs to be practical for your everyday life.

If a dental office is convenient to get to, it may be easier to keep up with regular examinations, cleanings, and recommended follow-up appointments.

When choosing between dental practices, consider how easy the location is for you to reach from home, work, or school. You can also ask about current appointment availability and office hours when you contact us.

8. Ask Questions About Treatment Costs

Dental costs can vary significantly depending on the treatment you need, your insurance coverage, and your individual circumstances.

Before starting treatment, make sure you understand what is being recommended and why. You can also ask about the expected cost, whether more than one appointment will be necessary, and how your dental insurance benefits may apply.

We encourage our patients to ask questions about their treatment and costs. Understanding your options can make it easier to make decisions about your dental care.

If you have questions about a proposed treatment or would like to discuss becoming a patient, our team is happy to help.

9. Think About Your Long-Term Dental Care

Choosing a dentist is not necessarily about finding somewhere to go when you have a toothache. Ideally, your dental practice becomes part of your long-term approach to maintaining your oral health.

Regular examinations and preventive care can help identify potential problems before they become more complicated. Having a dental team that knows your history can also make it easier to monitor changes in your oral health over time.

What Should You Ask Before Choosing a Dentist?

If you are comparing several dental practices, consider asking:

• What are the dentists’ qualifications and areas of experience?
• What dental services does the practice provide?
• What happens during a first appointment?
• How are treatment recommendations explained?
• What technology is used during examinations and treatment?
• What do patients say about their experiences?
• Where is the office located?
• What are the current appointment options?
• How are treatment costs and insurance handled?

There is no single answer to what makes a dentist the right choice. The best practice for you will depend on your dental needs, preferences, budget, and what makes you feel comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when choosing a dentist in Urbandale or Des Moines?

Look at the dental team’s professional background, the services available, communication style, first appointment process, patient reviews, technology, location, appointment availability, and approach to treatment costs.

Is Plaza Dental Group a general dentistry practice?

Yes. We provide general dentistry as well as a range of additional dental services, including cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, oral surgery, orthodontics, periodontal care, pediatric dentistry, and other treatments.

How should I use online dental reviews when choosing a dentist?

Look beyond the overall rating and read individual comments. Pay attention to what patients say about communication, examinations, staff, treatment explanations, and their overall experience. Reviews are useful when researching a practice, but your own consultation is also an important part of deciding whether a dentist is right for you.

What should I ask at my first dental appointment?

Ask about the results of your examination, whether any additional imaging is recommended, what treatment options are available, why a particular treatment has been recommended, and what the next steps will be. You can also ask about expected costs and insurance coverage.

Looking for a Dentist in Urbandale or Des Moines?

Finding the right dentist does not have to be difficult. Start by considering the things that matter most to you: the experience of the dental team, the services available, communication, convenience, patient feedback, and how comfortable you feel asking questions.

At Plaza Dental Group, our goal is to provide comprehensive dental care while making sure our patients understand their options and feel comfortable throughout their care.

If you are looking for a dentist in Urbandale, IA, or a dentist in Des Moines, IA, we would be happy to answer your questions and help you get started.

Contact our practice to learn more or ask about becoming a patient.

A dental implant replaces a missing tooth root with a small titanium implant that integrates with the jawbone. Once healed, it can support a crown, bridge or implant supported denture, providing a stable way to replace missing teeth.

If you are considering dental implants in Urbandale, understanding what happens before, during and after treatment can make the process feel much more straightforward.

At Plaza Dental Group, implant treatment is planned around each patient’s individual needs, from the initial assessment through to the final restoration and ongoing care.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are designed to replace the root of a missing tooth. A small titanium implant is placed into the jawbone, where it gradually integrates with the surrounding bone.

Once healing is complete, the implant can support a replacement tooth such as a dental crown. Depending on how many teeth are missing, implants can also be used to support a bridge or implant supported denture.

One of the main advantages of an implant is that it does not rely on the neighboring teeth for support in the same way a traditional bridge does.

For patients considering dental implants in Urbandale, the first step is an assessment to determine whether implants are appropriate for their individual situation.

The Dental Implant Process

Dental implant treatment takes place in stages rather than during a single appointment.

1. Consultation and Assessment

The process begins with a detailed examination of your teeth, gums and jawbone. Your dentist will also review your medical and dental history and discuss what you want to achieve.

Imaging may be used to assess the available bone and help plan the position of the implant.

This stage is important because dental implants need a suitable foundation in the jawbone to provide long term stability.

2. Implant Placement

Once your treatment has been planned, the implant is placed into the jawbone.

The procedure is carried out using local anesthesia, with sedation options available where appropriate, particularly for patients who feel anxious about dental treatment.

Your dentist will explain what to expect before the procedure and provide aftercare instructions for the recovery period.

3. Healing and Integration

Following placement, the implant needs time to integrate with the surrounding bone.

This process, known as osseointegration, takes place gradually over several months. During this stage, the implant becomes firmly supported by the jawbone.

The exact healing time varies from patient to patient and depends on factors including your overall oral health, the location of the implant and whether additional treatment was required.

4. Your Replacement Tooth

Once the implant has healed sufficiently, it can be restored with a custom replacement tooth.

For a single missing tooth, this will often be a dental crown. Multiple implants can also be used to support a bridge or implant supported denture where several or all teeth are missing.

Your dentist will explain which option is appropriate based on your individual needs.

Who Can Have Dental Implants?

Many adults with missing teeth may be suitable candidates for dental implants.

Healthy gums and sufficient bone are important factors when considering treatment. If there is not enough bone available to support an implant, additional treatment such as bone grafting may sometimes be recommended.

Other factors can also affect your suitability, including your general health, oral hygiene and smoking habits.

This is why an individual consultation is important. Rather than assuming that implants are or are not suitable, your dentist can assess your specific circumstances and explain the available options.

What Is Dental Implant Recovery Like?

It is normal to experience some swelling, tenderness or bruising following implant surgery.

These symptoms generally improve as the initial healing progresses. Your dentist will provide specific instructions about looking after the implant site, eating, cleaning your teeth and managing any discomfort.

During the early healing period, it is important to follow your aftercare instructions carefully.

The initial recovery is only part of the overall process. The implant also needs time to integrate with the jawbone before the final restoration is placed.

How Long Do Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are designed as a long term tooth replacement option.

How long an implant lasts depends on several factors, including oral hygiene, gum health, general health, biting forces and regular professional care.

Looking after your implants is similar in many ways to looking after natural teeth. Regular brushing, cleaning between your teeth and attending dental checkups all help maintain the health of the gums and bone surrounding the implant.

If you notice discomfort, movement or changes around an implant, contact Plaza Dental Group promptly rather than waiting for the problem to become more serious.

Dental Implants Compared With Bridges and Dentures

There are several ways to replace missing teeth, and implants are not automatically the right choice for everyone.

A traditional bridge replaces a missing tooth by attaching to neighboring teeth, while dentures are removable and sit over the gums.

Dental implants are different because they replace the root of the missing tooth and are supported by the jawbone.

For suitable patients, this can provide a stable and natural feeling replacement. However, the best option depends on your oral health, the number of teeth missing, your preferences and your treatment goals.

A consultation allows you to compare the options before making a decision.

Replacing One Tooth or Several Teeth

Dental implants can be used in a variety of situations.

A single missing tooth may be replaced with one implant and a crown.

If several teeth are missing, multiple implants may be used to support a fixed bridge.

For patients who have lost most or all of their teeth, implant supported dentures can provide additional stability compared with traditional removable dentures.

The number of implants required and the type of restoration used will depend on your individual circumstances.

Dental Implants for Patients in Urbandale and the Des Moines Area

Plaza Dental Group provides dental care for patients in Urbandale and the surrounding Des Moines area.

For patients researching dental implants in Urbandale, choosing a dental office where your treatment can be planned around your individual oral health is an important first step.

The team can assess your current situation, explain the different tooth replacement options and help you understand what the implant process would involve before you decide whether to proceed.

Why Choose Plaza Dental Group for Dental Implants?

Plaza Dental Group’s team includes Dr. Steffany Mohan, Dr. Debbie Dietrich and Dr. Colin Odland.

The dental office takes a personalized approach to treatment, with the aim of making patients feel informed and comfortable throughout the process.

One Plaza Dental Group patient described their first implant appointment as a positive experience, highlighting the team’s professionalism, empathy and caring approach.

“I was thoroughly impressed with their positivity and professionalism. They were very empathetic and caring.”

Plaza Dental Group patient review

For anyone who feels nervous about starting dental implant treatment, having a team that takes time to explain the process can make a significant difference.

Looking After Your Dental Implants

Once your implant treatment is complete, maintaining good oral hygiene remains important.

To help protect your investment:

• Brush your teeth twice a day.
• Clean carefully around your implant and replacement tooth.
• Attend regular dental examinations and professional cleanings.
• Follow any specific instructions provided by your dental team.
• Tell your dentist about any changes, discomfort or movement around the implant.

Dental implants can provide a long term solution, but they still need regular care.

If you are considering dental implants in Urbandale, the best place to start is with a professional assessment. Plaza Dental Group can discuss your individual circumstances, explain your options and help you understand what treatment may involve.

Call Plaza Dental Group to schedule a consultation and discuss whether dental implants could be right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do dental implants cost in Urbandale?

The cost of dental implants varies depending on the number of teeth being replaced and whether additional treatment is required. Plaza Dental Group can provide a personalized treatment plan and discuss the associated costs during your consultation.

How long does the dental implant process take?

Dental implant treatment usually takes several months because the implant needs time to integrate with the jawbone before the final restoration can be placed. The exact timeline varies depending on your individual treatment plan.

Are dental implants painful?

The implant placement procedure is performed using anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Some tenderness, swelling or bruising can occur during the initial recovery period, and your dentist will provide aftercare instructions.

Am I a good candidate for dental implants?

Many adults with missing teeth may be suitable for dental implants. Your dentist will assess your gums, jawbone, general health and individual circumstances before recommending treatment.

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants are designed to be a long term tooth replacement solution. Their longevity depends on factors including oral hygiene, gum health, general health and regular professional care.

What is the difference between an implant, bridge and denture?

A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth and is supported by the jawbone. A bridge is supported by neighboring teeth, while a denture sits over the gums and can be removed. Your dentist can explain which option is most appropriate for your individual needs.