When was the last time you had a dental appointment? If you have forgotten already because it’s been ages since you last visited, don’t worry because you’re not the only one. Visiting a new dental clinic again can feel a bit nerve-racking, mostly because we don’t know what to expect of it. Knowing what the process looks like and understanding why it needs to be done can take away a lot of the worries about the situation. We are here to walk you through what you can generally expect during your visit to a new dental clinic, from the moment you walk in the clinic door up to when you are already in follow-up care.
What Is a Dental Clinic?
As we are familiar with, a dental clinic is a space where dental professionals provide their services, catering to different types of oral health. They offer services like routine dental checkups and teeth cleanings, teeth x-rays, fillings and repairs, as well as cosmetic procedures and treatments that cater to aligning your teeth.
Some clinics are a part of larger medical centres; however, dentists like Dentist Toorak prefer independent practices as they can fully practice their focus, like family care or emergency dentistry.
Here is what you can expect when you visit a dental clinic:
Booking your appointment. Technology has made it easy for us to book dental appointments—from phone calls or walk-ins before, now we have online booking. Dental clinics now have websites that you can easily understand so you can book even on your own at a time that suits you. Be mindful, as you might get asked for your medical history and other personal information, especially if you are a new patient in the clinic.
Arrival and first impressions. While information might be asked of you when you book your appointment online, you may still need to confirm your appointment and other paperwork when you arrive at the clinic. New dental clinics are welcoming, something that is far from the scary office that we know of from our childhood.
Meeting your dentist. Even at their busiest, your dentist will still take time to get to know you as you get called in for your appointment. This is the best time to tell your dentist about your concerns and even questions you may have. In return, they will also ask about your dental history and even your eating and lifestyle habits so they’ll know what kind of care you need.
The examination. A comprehensive oral exam is performed by your dentist and usually checks the different parts of your mouth, including the condition of your teeth, gums, tongue, the inside of your cheeks and palate, and even how you bite and the alignment of your jaw. All of these are important so that your dentist will have an idea of the status of your oral health so they can provide you the best procedure for your improvement.
Cleaning and preventive care. And when the examination is done, professional cleaning comes after, as this removes plaque and tartar that have been built up over time. After which polishing and flossing of your teeth will ensue with fluoride application so that cavities won’t ever get into your teeth again.
Treatment Plan and Next Steps
The best part of the new dental clinics is that if your dentist finds any issues with your oral health, they will explain them to you in a way you understand and even lay out the options you prefer—including insurance options. This way, you are not only given space and time to consider your options and ask them about it but also guided and informed on the improvement of your oral health.
Tips for a Smooth First Visit
Even if you do not have an appointment with your dentist or have gone already even before you’ve seen this article, these are also useful tips that you can do on a regular basis, like brushing your teeth properly and flossing right after, and observe any symptoms or concerns you might have so that you can ask them on the dental visit. Remember that dentists are not there to judge you for your lifestyle preferences but to guide you in the direction you want for your oral health.
Set yourself up for a lifetime of healthy teeth.
There’s a reason why almost anywhere you look or ask about oral health improvements, they include visiting your dentist on a regular basis, and this is because it costs less than skipping it until something hurts. And if you are looking for a sign, this is it.
