Let’s admit it: to say that dental appointments are nerve-wracking is an understatement. After all, we’re all left at the mercy of the dentists for the next hour or so. But it’s not always this scary as long as you know what to expect during your first visit to the dentist, and as much as we dread going to them, it’s necessary to maintain oral health until our golden years. To help ease your anxiety, here are some of the usual things you can expect during your first appointment.
The initial consultation: getting to know the staff and dentist behind the facility.
If you recently moved to a new neighborhood and feel antsy about your new dentist, you can ease up a little since no major procedures take place. There are a lot of dental offices with welcoming dental staff like Camberwell Dentist who will help you settle in quickly. Once you arrive at the office, you’ll most likely be greeted by one of their dental staff. Here, you’re required to fill in the necessary paperwork wherein you’re required to list down personal information like full name, address, contact number, and emergency contact. You are also required to share your medical and dental history with them; make sure to list down your allergies, medications you’re taking, past dental procedures, and current concerns. Since this is the initial appointment, take the time to know if they accept dental insurance plans, financing options, and payment plans so you can plan your budget.
Dental exams and inspection: assessment on current and possible oral issues.
Once you’re done with the necessary paperwork, the dental assistant will usher you into the dentist’s workspace where you will undergo a comprehensive oral examination. They’ll check the condition of your teeth, gums, and oral tissues to see if there are any signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral issues. In some cases, the dentist will perform a dental x-ray on you to see if you have underlying cavities or maybe even bone loss.
Additionally, your dentist may also do a basic cleaning to remove tartar and plaque buildup to prevent worsening.
Discussion of the treatment plan.
Now that your initial check-up is finished, your dentist will share with you if they have any findings or concerns you need to work on. The dentist will explain any concerning dental issue and recommend the appropriate treatment plan to address it. There are various ways to treat your dental concern, ranging from restorative dentistry which offers crowns, fillings, and bridges to oral surgery, which includes extractions and other surgical procedures.
If you have no alarming concern for your teeth, then congratulations! Your dentist will most likely perform regular dental cleanings twice a year and fluoride treatments to prevent tooth decay. On the other hand, if you’re looking into enhancing your teeth, it’s also best if you ask upfront if they offer cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening and veneers.
And that’s it! That concludes your first visit to the dentist. But before you go, make sure to schedule your next appointment in advance; it’s important to see through this so you can maintain optimal dental and oral health.
