Has it been several years since you’ve been to the dentist, and now that you are ready to go back, you aren’t sure what to expect?
Don’t worry! Your dentist won’t judge you or make you feel guilty, and the goal will be to evaluate your teeth and your oral health.
Your Dental Checkup
The first thing that will happen at your visit is that you’ll meet with a dental hygienist. She will be responsible for cleaning the plaque and tartar away from your teeth with specialized dental tools.
If you are feeling nervous, sedation dentistry options might be available to help you relax. You might also need X-rays in order to get a better idea of exactly what is going on in your mouth.
Once your teeth have been thoroughly cleaned, your dentist will come in to examine them. He will look for signs of decay and gum disease and will also make suggestions on how you can better care for your teeth. If further treatment is needed, you will also discuss options.
Expect a Longer Visit
Your first visit back to the dentist after a hiatus will likely take longer than usual. You will need to discuss your dental and medical history as well as your goals and concerns for the health of your smile.
Additionally, your cleaning will likely take a little longer than usual as you will have several years of plaque and tartar buildup, so expect to spend a little extra time in the chair than you remember in the past.
Most importantly, even if it has been years since you last visited the dentist, you don’t have to be embarrassed. Your dentist has seen a variety of issues in his career, and what matters is that you are making the step now to improve your oral health.
Please contact us if you have any questions about visiting the dentist.