How to Choose a Dentist in Culver City

Maybe you just moved to Culver City, your old dentist retired, or your insurance changed in January. Whatever the reason, you are now scrolling through a list of offices that all promise gentle care and beautiful smiles. It is hard to tell from a search result which one will actually fit you.

TL;DR

To choose a dentist in Culver City, look for an office that is easy to get to, works with your insurance, offers most of the care you need under one roof, uses modern technology, and explains your options clearly without pressure. At Kaufman Dentistry, Drs. Warren and Matt Kaufman see patients at 10760 Washington Blvd., and we are in network with Aetna (Extend Network), Cigna and Delta Dental (PPO and Premier).

Key Takeaways

  • Convenience matters more than people expect, because an office you can reach easily is one you will actually visit every six months.
  • Check whether the office is in network with your dental insurance before you book.
  • An office that handles cleanings, fillings, crowns, root canals and cosmetic work keeps your care in one place.
  • Technology like digital X-rays and same visit ceramic crowns can mean less radiation and fewer appointments.
  • The best fit is a dentist who explains what they see, lays out your options and lets you decide.

Start With Convenience

The most important dental visits are the routine ones, and routine visits only happen if they are easy. Think about where you live, work and drive. An office on a street you already use is far easier to keep returning to than one across town. Most people do well with a checkup and cleaning about every six months, which we explain in how often should I go to the dentist.

Kaufman Dentistry is on Washington Blvd. in Culver City, close to the neighborhoods around downtown Culver City and the rest of the Westside. When you call any office, ask about appointment availability and how they handle urgent problems, so you know what to expect before you need it.

Sunny tree lined Los Angeles neighborhood street with low storefronts

Check Your Insurance Network

If you have dental insurance, your out of pocket cost usually depends on whether the dentist is in your plan’s network. Look up the office on your insurer’s website or simply call and ask. Kaufman Dentistry is contracted and in network with Aetna (Extend Network), Cigna and Delta Dental (PPO and Premier), and you can see the current list on our insurance page.

If you do not have insurance, or your plan has a low yearly maximum, ask how the office handles payment. Our guides to how dental insurance annual maximums work and how dental payment plans work explain the basics.

Want to know whether your plan works with our office? Call (310) 838 7780 or send us a message and our Culver City team will get back to you.

Look for Most of Your Care Under One Roof

A dentist you trust for cleanings should ideally be able to handle what comes next, too. Being referred out for every filling or crown means more offices, more paperwork and more time off work. When you compare offices, look at the range of services they list:

At Kaufman Dentistry we offer all of these, and Kaufman Dentistry is a Preferred Invisalign Provider. You can read more about what a general dentist covers in our post on choosing a general dentist in Culver City.

Ask About Technology and Comfort

Technology is not about gadgets for their own sake. The right tools can make visits shorter, more comfortable and more precise. A few things worth asking about:

  • Digital X-rays. Our digital radiography gives instant, accurate images with far less radiation than older film.
  • Same visit crowns. We use CEREC to design and mill ceramic crowns and onlays in house, so in most situations a crown can be finished in one appointment. Our article on CEREC same day crowns explains how it works.
  • Gentler numbing. Single tooth anesthesia can numb one lower tooth without numbing half your face, so you can eat and talk again almost right away.

If you get nervous at the dentist, say so when you call. A good office will take that seriously, and our post on sedation dentistry for anxious patients covers some of the ways dentists help.

Smiling patient in a dental chair talking with her dentist before a checkup

Pay Attention to How They Talk to You

The clearest sign of a good fit shows up at the first visit. Does the dentist show you what they see, on an X-ray or a photo, and explain it in plain language? Do they give you options, including the simplest one, and tell you what happens if you wait? Or do you leave with a long treatment plan and no idea why?

At our office, both Dr. Warren and Dr. Matt say the best part of the job is building long-term relationships with patients, and that only works when people feel informed rather than pushed. You can read more about our approach in why Kaufman Dentistry.

Think About the Whole Family

If you have kids or a partner, one office for everyone makes scheduling simpler. Kaufman Dentistry is a family practice in more ways than one: it is run by a father and son team, and we offer care for families’ needs. Our guide on when your child should start seeing a dentist is a good place to start for younger patients.

Dr. Warren Kaufman outside the Kaufman Dentistry office in Culver City

What to Expect at Your First Visit

Your first appointment is usually an exam, X-rays if they are due, and a cleaning. It is also your chance to interview the office. Bring your insurance card, a list of medications and any questions about your teeth. Our article on what happens during a dental exam walks through each step, and the American Dental Association’s MouthHealthy site has a helpful page of questions about going to the dentist.

Looking for a new dentist in Culver City? We would be glad to meet you. Call (310) 838 7780 or send us a message and our Culver City team will get back to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a dentist in Culver City that takes my insurance?

Check your insurer’s provider directory or call the office directly and ask whether they are in network with your exact plan. Kaufman Dentistry is in network with Aetna (Extend Network), Cigna and Delta Dental (PPO and Premier).

What should I ask a new dentist before my first visit?

Ask whether they take your insurance, how soon you can be seen, how they handle urgent problems, and which services they offer in house. If you are nervous about dental visits, mention that too.

Is it better to choose a dentist close to home or close to work?

Choose whichever location makes it easiest to keep appointments. Many people prefer an office near work so they can fit visits into a lunch break, while families often choose one close to home and school.

How often should I see a dentist?

Most people benefit from a checkup and cleaning about every six months. Your dentist may suggest more frequent visits if you have gum disease or a higher risk of cavities.

Does Kaufman Dentistry do same day crowns?

Yes. We use CEREC technology to design and mill ceramic crowns in our office, so in most situations a crown can be placed in a single visit.

Can my whole family see the same dentist?

Often, yes. A family practice can care for parents and children in one place, which makes scheduling easier. Call us and we will help you plan visits for everyone.

📞 Contact Kaufman Dentistry Today

If you are looking for a dentist in Culver City, we would love to be your dental home. Our father and son team will get to know you, explain what we see, and help you plan care that fits your life.

Call us at (310) 838 7780, send a message through our contact page, or visit us at 10760 Washington Blvd. in Culver City. Get directions here.