Not all dentists offer all procedures, and some have particular specializations. ZocDoc allows you to filter dentists by procedure and subspecialty.
Step 1: Select the Procedure You Want
In the box "Narrow search by specialty", make sure you have "Dentist" in the top box. The bottom box may say "Regular Cleaning" or "Patient Consultation" (other entries can be pre-selected for you as well).
Now select the kind of procedure you want in the bottom drop down list. You have the following choices:
| Regular cleaning | This is just a removal of dental plaques and other residues that is recommended twice a year. This procedure is frequently not performed by the dentist herself; even though you will see and "book" with a dentist, the procedure may be performed by a hygienist. If this is your first visit to a dental office, the dentist will often want to see you to make sure that no condition requiring her care is overlooked. |
| Patient consultation | This is ideal if you see the dentist for the first time or you don't know exactly what the problem is. If you are in doubt, choose this. |
| Emergency visit | If you are in pain, have broken a tooth or have any other condition that requires immediate attention, pick this. It signals to the dentist office that they need to handle your appointment with priority. |
| Filling | If you know you have a cavity or lost a filling, or if you want to have mercury/amalgam fillings removed. |
| Root Canal | When another doctor has already diagnosed you as requiring a root canal, or if you want to filter for dentists who can perform a root canal if required, select this option. |
| Tooth Whitening | If you want to have a professional, in-office tooth whitening procedure, this let's you filter for dentists who have the necessary equipment and skills. |
| Crown and Bridge | If you require a dental crown or bridge, pick this option. Typically, dentists will want to see you for a general consultation first, but you can filter by this option to ensure the dentist you choose offers this procedure. |
| Implant | Implants are involved procedures that are not offered by every dentist. If you think you may need an implant, you should filter for this procedure. |
| Dentures | If you require dentures, you can let the dentist know ahead of time by picking this option. There are several different types of dentures, and dentists who offer this option signal that they are equipped to help you with the right choice and fit the denture for you. |
| Invisalign | Invisalign is a new product that allows (adult) patients to improve the position of their teeth, very similar to braces that are typically worn in adolescence. They have the advantage of being transparent and cosmetically more pleasing than braces. Only your dentist can advise you whether Invisalign or braces are better for you. Dentists who are available for Invisalign procedures have gone through a special certification process. |
| Veneers | Veneers are thin ceramic layers that are attached to your teeth for cosmetic purposes. Sometimes the trademarked term "Lumineers" is used (they serve the same purpose). Typically, dentists with a cosmetic focus will offer this procedure. |
| Gum Surgery | Simple gum surgery is performed by many general dentists. Specialized dentists are called "Periodontists." You can look for that subspecialty in their profiles. |
| Braces and Retainers | Braces are typically fit by orthodontists. You can pre-select this specialty by filtering for braces. You can also see if a dentist has a orthodontic subspecialty by clicking on her picture/going to their profile page. |
