What Should You Expect at a Regular Dental Visit?
If you are worried about your next dental visit, remember that your dentist and dental hygienist are there to help make sure your appointment is stress-free. But if you are feeling stressed for some reason, see below for suggestions on dealing with any tension or anxiety you may experience during dental appointments.
Before Your Appointment
One suggestion for feeling less anxious about your dental appointment is giving yourself enough time so you are not rushed if you have to be away from work or school. Ask how long your dental team will need for teeth cleaning and an oral exam.
If you have dental insurance, verify that your dentist is in-network before your appointment. You may have a co-pay fee due at the time of your appointment, or your dentist may bill you the balance of the cost after your insurance plan has paid for services. If you do not have insurance, ask for an estimated cost of the care you are receiving.
On the Day of Your Appointment
On the day of your dental visit, arrive early so you can fill out any paperwork needed or complete and submit online forms before your appointment. Most dental practices offer online services. Always be sure to bring along your insurance card and driver’s license.
To help you relax while your dental team works, some dental offices offer headsets and devices for listening to music, or choices for watching movies or TV. Also, talk with your team ahead of time about options for pain relief or sedation during procedures.
Once you are comfortably seated in the dentist’s chair, your dental hygienist will use an instrument called a scaler to scrape and remove plaque and tartar around your gum line and in between your teeth. He or she will then floss your teeth and polish them. If you have any type of mouth pain during cleaning or treatment, tell your dental team so you can have a short rest break if needed.
Once your hygienist is finished, your dentist will conduct a full examination of your mouth to determine whether you need additional care. Your dentist will use a metal or ultrasonic tool called a periodontal probe to find problem spots in your teeth and gums and to measure the depth of any gum pockets or gum recession. Your dentist will recommend appropriate treatment depending on what he or she finds.
A First Visit or Non-Routine Visit
If you have not seen a dentist for more than a year or even several years, you can expect the same dedicated care as a routine dental appointment, but more time will be required to complete your visit. The longer you wait between dental appointments, the more likely it is that hard tartar will build up on your teeth and around your gumline. You might experience discomfort while having tartar removed, but the reward is that your teeth will feel clean and smooth afterward. When your dentist probes your teeth and checks your gums for gaps or pockets, you may experience minor pain and bleeding, but both should quickly go away.
Follow-Up Care After Your Visit
If your mouth is still sore after your appointment, take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Call your dental office if soreness, discomfort, or pain persists, or if your face or jaw becomes swollen.
Keeping a consistent schedule of dental visits is essential in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. See your dentist at least once a year, but preferably twice a year, so you can avoid more serious issues that can result if you delay dental care.
Try not to be overwhelmed if your dentist finds problems. With the help of your experienced and dedicated dental team, you can address and fix oral health issues. And if you are not already doing so, practice good brushing and flossing dental habits so your follow-up visits will be stress-free.