Dental anxiety is a real condition. Besides laziness, it’s one of the main reasons why some people forego dental appointments altogether. This is a potentially dangerous game, as without a dentist’s trained and professional eyes, one could unknowingly develop dental issues or gum disease at any time. Your dentist helps keep your teeth and gums healthy in several ways, besides checking for cavities and providing professional cleaning, you know? So, to ease your worries and anxiety over your dental appointments, today’s article will talk about what to expect during your first visit to a dental clinic.
You can expect a warm welcome and do some paperwork.
Walking into the dental clinic doesn’t always mean you’d head straight to the dental chair; you’ll be greeted by the clinic’s staff first while waiting for your turn. It’s best to get there early so you can settle in for a little bit. The majority of clinics nowadays, like Ivanhoe Dental Clinic, have a comforting ambiance, equipped with entertainment media to amuse waiting patients.
Additionally, the staff will welcome you and be happy to answer any queries you may have. While waiting for your turn, they’ll have you fill in paperwork stating your personal details, as well as your medical history. They will also question you about your concern and if you have any past surgeries or medications you’re taking.
When filling out these forms, make sure to answer them truthfully since it can impact your dental treatment plan. For example, you may have an allergy to a certain medication, so it’s best to jot that down so the clinic is also aware of that.
After answering the forms, you can also take this time as an opportunity to learn about the procedures, treatment plans, or even the clinic’s policies while waiting for the dentist.
Chair time: undergoing examinations and X-rays.
Once the paperwork is complete, you’ll only have to wait a short while before you’re ushered into the dental chair. Here, your dentist or dental hygienist will perform a thorough visual checkup of your teeth and gums, keeping an eye out for potential problems. As we all know, cavities tend to creep up on your tooth, and it starts from plaque buildup and hidden crevices that cannot be reached by regular brushing.
After this, they will perform a dental X-ray to see what’s happening beneath the surface of your teeth. X-rays have become an invaluable tool in helping dentists check hidden issues like cavities in between the teeth, bone loss, or even impacted teeth.
But the examinations don’t stop there; lastly, they will perform a comprehensive oral examination, which typically involves your gums, teeth, tongue, and the surrounding tissues for any abnormalities or oral cancer. It’s important for them to spot these issues, if you have any, so they can quickly devise a treatment plan to prevent the condition from worsening. The procedure saves you from undergoing invasive treatment and also helps you avoid additional expensive costs.
Discussion, cleaning, and other possible procedures.
Once the examinations are done, your dentist will discuss the findings. If you’re lucky, you’ll probably only be required to come back twice yearly for your professional cleaning and checkup. For some, you may be required to drop in more often, depending on the findings.
During this discussion, your dentist will explain the findings and propose a treatment plan, along with an alternative, while also answering your questions. Since you’re already here, you may as well take the chance to voice your concerns, anxieties, or even preferences when it comes to your treatment plan. Don’t worry, during this first visit, you won’t undergo any major procedure; usually, a dental hygienist will conduct a professional cleaning, meticulously cleaning tartar buildup, along with other oral hygiene practices.
And that’s about it! Before you leave, the clinic’s receptionist will help you book your next appointment, and you can even discuss your payment options or insurance coverage for your next visit.
Dental appointments are important for our overall oral health.
To wrap it up, your dentist does a lot more than just check your teeth for cavities and perform a professional cleaning. Along with providing treatment, your dentist will also teach you how to effectively clean and take care of your teeth through proper practices. On top of that, they also suggest the best dental products to help you achieve the best smile there is. So, you see? Your first dental visit isn’t so scary; it’s pretty much a comprehensive checkup so your dentist can create a personalized and effective dental treatment plan for you.
