Your Dental Checkup
You’re not alone if you feel a bit nervous about your next dental appointment. Who wouldn’t be apprehensive after hearing horror stories from friends or family members? The good news is that with the right preparation, an upcoming visit to the dentist can actually be quite enjoyable and beneficial for both your mouth hygiene as well as general health!
If you are nervous about your dental appointment, then take a deep breath and relax. The following article will outline the steps that you can expect at your next visit to the dentist.
Preparing for your Dental Check-Up
A new visit to the dentist is an experience that many people do not look forward to. However, there are some things you can do before your next appointment in order to make it as comfortable and painless as possible. If this will be your first time visiting a specific office, gather information about what they’re like by doing research online or talking with friends who have been patients of theirs for years.
- By taking a few minutes to gather your health history, you’re ensuring that we have everything we need to give you the best care possible.
- Request your former dentist to transfer your records to get you a new provider. This will allow them the opportunity to have access and see all of your dental histories, including past procedures that they may not be aware of in order for their care plans to remain as accurate as possible.
- Let them know if you are pregnant, have diabetes, epilepsy or have any other special needs so they can best support you.
Be sure to mention any concerns you have or accommodations you may require, including dental anxiety. If visiting the dentist has ever given anyone a panic attack, then it’s likely that they are not alone in this. Fear of the dentist is common and your team can help make this check-up more comfortable for everyone involved by ensuring all needs are met beforehand such as laying out what will happen during visits so there isn’t anything unexpected happening when we get started on our journey together with your teeth!
Planning ahead is key to your dental health. If you need to eat before going in for a visit, then make sure that time passes between the meal and appointment so it doesn’t affect what happens next! Give yourself enough time on your first day of treatment by allowing extra travel time when arriving at the office.
What to do While at your Dental Check-Up
The check-in process at a dentist office is as unique to the place you’re visiting as their own flavour. Some offices are fairly traditional, while others seem like they were plucked directly from science fiction! However each one goes about it though, there are always certain things that need doing before you get started with your exam – and we’ve got some tips for making sure everything runs smoothly so everyone can have an easy time of it.
Make sure you answer all of the questions in the health history so your dentist can make the best recommendations for you. Be sure to include any information about any medications you are currently taking and any allergies you may have.
You will more than likely be asked to update this information each time your visit your dental clinic.
What Can I Expect in a Check-Up
Once you’ve checked in, a member of the clinical team will escort you to the back for your dental check-up. Again, every office has its own process but here are some things that can be expected.
You’ll have an opportunity to chat with our staff about what we do and how they think it might apply to your oral health goals before getting started on treatment plan options.
- X-Rays: These pictures are fast and painless, but it’s important to make sure they get taken. They can help the hygienist and dentist provide you with a more thorough check-up for your teeth. To take an x-ray of our mouth takes only seconds!
- Evaluation: The dental team will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the health of your teeth and gums. It may include reviewing x-rays, performing physical examination including examining tongue, jaw neck as well checking for signs of gum disease or cavities. They’ll educate you on how to keep optimal oral hygiene going forward with recommendations like specific home care techniques, products, or even procedures if necessary!
- Treatment: Based on the evaluation, your dentist will recommend treatment to remove any plaque and tartar as well as to address any other issues they might find concerning. You’ll likely have your teeth flossed and polished then down with a fluoride solution that has been shown time after time to not only be safe but also effective in preventing tooth decay.
- Q&A: In order to maintain a healthy, clean mouth it is important that you take the opportunity with your dental team to speak frankly about any pain or concerns you may have. Ask questions such as how can I work on my habits, do they offer cosmetic services?
At the end of your oral exam, you’ll have to pay for it and schedule your next appointment. So head back upfront with the office team or receptionist before leaving to ask questions about finances including expected insurance payments and out-of-pocket costs; they will also help reserve a future visit time in order that most people get their teeth checked at least twice every year but how often is dependent on one’s dental health.
Book your Dental Appointment with The Tooth Spa Today
The Tooth Spa is your one-stop-shop for all of your dental needs. Whether you need a routine cleaning and exam, or if you are in pain from an accident or injury, we have the solution to help get back on track! Our team members will take care of everything so that it’s as easy as possible for you. Call us today to make an appointment with our friendly staff. We look forward to seeing you soon!