Think about this. You get out of bed, stretch, and drink your first cup of dentist richmond. Suddenly, a sharp pain shoots through your jaw. Ouch. All of a sudden, your to-do list is all about finding a dentist who won’t treat you like a number.

Everyone’s dental journey is like a fingerprint: it’s quite rare for two people to have the same one. There seem to be a limitless number of choices in Richmond. There are tried-and-true methods hidden away in historic neighborhoods, eco-friendly clinics planting trees for every filling, and even dental spas that offer neck warmers along with tooth cleanings. Reviews and ratings can easily take over your mind. But here’s a tip: pay attention to what locals say. That friendly barista at your neighborhood coffee shop? He presumably knows who does root canals with a soft touch.

It can be hard to get appointments that fit into a busy schedule, like attempting to get a table at the newest brunch place. The finest clinics feature nighttime hours and easy ways to make appointments. You won’t have to give up your lunch hour to get a cleaning. Also, nothing beats walking into a waiting room where you can get tea instead of just a clipboard.

Ask questions. Will they explain things in simple English? Can you receive a list of how much each item on your bill costs? There are a wide range of dentists in Richmond, from high-tech clinics with 3D scanners to chairs that are over a hundred years old and have seen it all. What counts is that someone is prepared to stop and listen. It might be a tooth or the entire smile makeover. Either way, an explanation makes things less tense.

And concerning being nervous about going to the dentist, it’s okay to be twitchy in the chair. The wonderful people in Richmond don’t ignore their nerves. They respect it. Sometimes they wear headphones and listen to a playlist to block out the noise, and other times they tell a tale or a joke until your shoulders fall down from your ears.

Every dental office has its own border between general and cosmetic work, such as orthodontics, implants, whitening, and emergency repairs. Some focus on families, where little kids hold plush bears and wobble around. Others are great at making small changes to your appearance for people who want to look better on Zoom calls.

Don’t be deceived; where you are matters. Finding a parking spot in Richmond can be harder than finding a parking meter with time left. Some practices are lucky enough to have a lot of parking, or they are on streets where parking is hard to find.

The personnel that cares is the best part. One receptionist on Main Street recalls when patients’ birthdays are; another delivers dog biscuits for their four-legged friends. These little things may not seem like much, yet they stand out more than a billboard smile.

There are a lot of dentists in Richmond, but the proper one will make you feel like you’ve found gold at the conclusion of the appointment. Not everyone likes going to the dentist, but you could like it in this busy metropolis. Or at least, leave with a smile.