When it comes to visiting your dentist, if you’re feeling nervous about it, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Maybe you’ve heard horror stories from friends or family members, well the good news is that, all you need is the right preparation. If you prepare yourself in a positive way, a visit to the dentist can be enjoyable and also beneficial for you, your teeth and your mouth hygiene as well as your general health.
If you are feeling nervous about your dental assessment and appointment, just take a deep breath and try to relax, see our tips below on how to rid those feelings of worry or anxiety before visiting the dentist.
How to Prepare for your Dental Check-Up
A visit to the dentist is an experience that a lot of people don’t look forward to, there are some things that you can think about doing before your next appointment to help make it as painless and as comfortable as possible. Should this be your first time visiting a new dentist, you could do some research, get some information and find out more online or talk to some patients there.
- Taking a few minutes to gather your health history, you’re making sure that the dentist will have everything they need to provide you with the best care possible.
- Check with your former dentist, they should be able to transfer your records in order for you to get a new provider, this will provide them with the opportunity to transfer all of your records and history including past dental procedures as well as care plans, den plans etc.
- You should inform your dentist if you are pregnant, have diabetes or epilepsy, as well as any other specific needs, this is so they can support you in the best way.
You should also mention any concerns that you may have such as dental anxiety, you’d be surprised how many people have had anxiety and panic attacks over the dentist. This also goes for if the dental appointment is for a child or relative and you are going with them for moral support. Fear of the dentist is very common and the dentists will be able to make things more comfortable for everyone by ensuring that all needs are met before. This includes laying out exactly what is going to happen during visits, this is so that you don’t feel like anything unexpected is happening.
By planning ahead, this can be key to your dental health. Should you need to eat before you go for a visit, you should make sure that time passes between the meal and the appointment. Try and give yourself enough time on your first day of treatment, by allowing yourself extra travel time.
During Your Dental Check Up
The check-in process at a dental surgery will be different, some surgeries will work in a more traditional way, why some will be virtual and include online check-ins etc. However one way or another, there are some things you can do to make sure everything runs smoothly.
You should make sure to answer all of the questions in the health history form that you’ll be given, this is so the dentist can provide you with the best recommendations for you. You will be asked to update this information every time you visit the dentist.
What Happens in a Check Up?
Once you’ve registered or checked in, a member of the team will call you for your dental check up, however every surgery will have its own process, but here are some things to expect.
X-Rays – they are fast and painless, however it’s important to make sure that you have them. They will be able to help the hygienist and dentist to provide you with thorough check-ups for your teeth, as well as take an x-ray of your mouth, this will only take seconds.
Evaluation – the dental team can perform a comprehensive evaluation and also determine the health of both your gums and teeth. This could include reviewing the x-ray, as well as performing physical exams, this includes tongues, jaws and your neck, as well as checking for cavities and disease. The dentist will also educate you on how to keep your hygiene good going forward. They may also recommend further investigations like oral cancer screening.
Treatment – this is based on the appointment evaluation, your dentist will recommend the treatment that you need, they may also remove any plaque or tartar as well as look at any other issues which could cause concern. They may also floss your teeth and polish them, this also helps to prevent tooth decay.
Questions and Answers
When it comes to maintaining a healthy and clean mouth, it’s important that you speak to the dentist or dental nurse about any concerns you may have, this can include pain or other issues, as well as the need for an emergency appointment. For more information on the dental services and check ups that we provide, contact Raina Dental Care today.
