Has it been a while since your last visit to the dental office? It is recommended that most people see their dentist every six months for regular cleanings and checkups, but when you have a busy schedule, it can be easy to forget to schedule visits and get out of the practice. Fortunately, it is never too late to start working towards better oral health. Here’s what you can expect for your first visit back to the dental office.
How Long Will Your Appointment Last?
For your first visit back, it is a good idea to plan for a little bit of extra time to fill out all of the necessary paperwork. This includes your contact information, health history, and dental insurance details if you have it. After you complete this, it’s time to get started. You will want to reserve about an hour and a half so your dental team will have plenty of time to get everything done and answer any questions you have regarding your smile and dental care.
What Are the Steps of a Dental Appointment?
Here are the main steps you can expect during your visit:
X-Rays
Having X-rays taken on a regular basis helps your dentist to view any issues that aren’t easily detected by just looking at you’re your smile. This includes jawbone issues, impacted teeth, tooth decay, and other problems. This process is quick and painless. A lead apron will be placed over your chest and an X-ray sensor is placed in your mouth. You will be instructed to bite down. This process should only take a few seconds.
Professional Cleaning
Your dental hygienist will clean your teeth using special dental tools. They will check your gumline, remove plaque and tartar, and polish them to remove surface stains.
Checkup
After your cleaning is complete, your examination will be completed by your dentist. They will check for signs of gum disease, tooth decay, oral cancer, and other abnormalities. This is a great time to bring up any issues that have been bothering you so they can be addressed. Your dentist will discuss all the findings with you and your next steps.
Ask Questions
There is an educational component to your dental visit as well. This is the perfect time to learn more about oral hygiene, dental treatments, and anything else you want to know. Who is better to ask these questions to than your dentist?
Before your visit is up, you should schedule your next appointment so that you don’t forget. This way, you can stay on track toward a healthy, happy smile!
About the Author
Dr. Kelly Thanh is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for more than 25 years. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of the Pacific and has an extensive background in continuing education. Currently, she is a proud member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, Santa Clara County Dental Society, and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit her website or call (408) 972-2835.