If you have sensitive teeth, going to the dentist for just a cleaning or x-rays can make you nervous — not to mention if you have an actual problem that needs to be fixed. However, you shouldn’t have to suffer just to take care of your teeth. The right dentist in the right environment will take your concerns about your sensitive teeth seriously and be able to offer real solutions. Here’s what to look for.

A less invasive approach

For people with sensitive teeth, even just a routine cleaning can be painful, but there are certain techniques that can be done to lessen this. For example, if spraying water on your teeth causes problems, the hygienist can use the hand-scaling method to clean your teeth and then just have you swish and spit to rinse everything away. Many dentists also offer new technologies, such as lasers, to address cavities. When you’re looking for a new care provider, just call the office and ask how they tailor cleanings and procedures for those with sensitive teeth.

Excellent patient reviews and recommendations

While it’s impossible to make everyone happy all the time, finding a dentist that has a history of satisfied patients is important if you have sensitive teeth or have had bad experiences in the past. You can certainly do some research online and check out patient reviews, but you may also want to ask around in your circle of friends and family to get some recommendations. Even if they haven’t seen a dentist personally, they may have heard great things from a friend who also has sensitive teeth. Once you have a short list of candidates, check out their websites to see if they have any information about their specialties, as some will list dealing with patients with sensitive teeth or dentist phobias. An office that sees children may also be more likely to be gentler in cleanings and exams.

Friendly and attentive office staff

Feeling comfortable with going to the dentist isn’t always just about your actual teeth. If calling to schedule an appointment means you have to wait on hold for a half-hour or the office staff is rude when you come in and register at the front desk, it’s not going to create a welcoming environment where you feel comfortable expressing your needs and worries. While there are a lot of great dentists with less-than-awesome office staff, it should be noted as a potential red flag.