What To Expect When I Go To The Dentist?

Going to the dentist is important not only to improve your oral health but also to improve your overall health and well-being.

Okay, you have found a dentist you think you will like.

Finding a dentist you are comfortable with is important, as you want to be calm and relaxed when you go to see one and especially if you haven’t had a dental visit in quite some time.

So, what’s next? Let’s take a look at what going to the dentist is going to be like with a review of the average appointment.

1. Health History

If this happens to be your first ever visit to a dentist, you will likely be instructed to arrive a few minutes before the actual time of your appointment. This is to allow you to either fill out forms or answer questions about your health.

The purpose of this is simple – it informs your dentist and the dental office about you, your health in general, and creates a file that will be updated and referenced long after this first dental appointment.

2. Examination

Before, during and after your teeth cleaning, a dentist will conduct a complete examination of your teeth, gums and mouth. Your dentist will be looking for any indications of gum disease or oral health issues with the goal of identifying something early enough to be treated quickly.

3. Teeth Cleaning

As part of every dental check-up, you will experience a thorough teeth cleaning. Either the dentist or dental hygienist on duty will perform this.

The cleaning will include the use of special instruments designed to remove plaque build-up on and between teeth as well as below the gum line. This is done because plaque and tartar can lead to various issues if left alone. Cavities, gum disease and bad breath are some of the problems that can develop.

4. X-Rays

On your first dental appointment, it is likely that a set of x-rays will be taken regardless of the health of your teeth. This creates more information to go with your file and it provides more than just reference material to be used on future visits.

X-rays can reveal hidden issues that cannot be clearly identified during a typical oral examination. Some of the things x-rays can show include bone loss, tumors, decay between teeth, impacted teeth, abscesses and cysts. An x-ray is a valuable tool for diagnostic purposes in the dental office.

5. The Follow-Up

During your first visit, you will be encouraged to make dental appointments a regular part of your life. For example, if the dentist has identified something that requires treatment, additional visits will be scheduled in order to remedy the situation.

If your teeth are healthy and do not require treatment for gum disease or cavities, you should still schedule another visit for a check-up. It is recommended that regular checkups be scheduled for every three to six months unless your dentist instructs you to do otherwise.

Now You Know What To Expect When You Go To The Dentist

Although a dental visit can be scary for those who have either not been to a new dentist before, or have not been to the dentist for a long period of time, or have had a bad experience in earlier life, you really must see one regularly.

A dentist will be able to keep an eye on your oral health, which not only improves your overall health and wellbeing, it will keep you smiling confidently for years to come!

Forster dentist is also serving local communities in Tuncurry, Pacific Palms, Smiths Lake, Hallidays Point, Failford, Old Bar, Nabiac, Taree, Manning Valley, Bulahdelah, Harrington and Great Lakes.