Scheduled regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential in maintaining good oral health. Having a healthy mouth offers a variety of benefits, including your social well-being. You can eat, converse, and interact with others without feeling awkward or uncomfortable. A lifetime commitment to oral hygiene includes consuming healthy meals, brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist on a regular basis.
Patients may be curious about what to expect at a dental checkup. An appointment with the dentist often includes dental cleaning, X-rays, and fluoride treatments. The patient will also get a dental examination to look for potentially dangerous disorders such as tooth decay, gum disease, or oral cancer.
For some people, visiting the dentist can be a stressful experience. The good news is that most of the time, the anticipation is worse than the actual experience. Still, there are a few things that everyone needs to do to prepare for a dental exam. This dental check-up preparation checklist will ensure that you have everything you need.
- Double-check your appointment date and time
Oftentimes, your dental clinic will give you a call the day before your appointment to remind you about your check-up. If you don’t get this reminder, call your dental clinic and confirm whether you have the right time and date. - Arrive on time
It is also important to arrive at your dental appointment on time or a little early. If you are late, the dentist might not have time to see you and you will need to reschedule. This can be a hassle, especially if you have to miss work or class to make it to the appointment. Being punctual also shows respect for the dentist’s time and a willingness to complete the dental examination procedure quickly.
If you are a new patient, you might need to fill out some paperwork when you arrive at the dentist’s clinic. If this is the case, you should arrive earlier. However, even if you are a returning patient, it’s still a good idea to arrive a few minutes early. This way, you aren’t hurrying, and you can be more relaxed during the checkup.
- Provide dental history, especially for new patients
If you are seeing a new dentist for the first time, it’s important to have your dental records transferred from your old clinic. Your record should include any recurring illnesses, allergies, and prescription drugs you might be taking. This will give your new dentist a solid grasp of your oral health, a heads-up on what to expect during your dental examination, and the assurance that they will provide the oral care you need.
- Make note of any questions you have
Dental visits can be intimidating, especially if it’s your first time visiting a new dentist. There are so many things to keep in mind that you may end up overlooking crucial inquiries. Making a list of questions before your appointment is generally a smart idea. Before deciding to start treatment with a new dentist, you can get a feel for their style and approach. - Brush your teeth/ floss ahead of time
You should not neglect your daily dental hygiene just because you have an upcoming dental visit. For a few reasons, brushing your teeth prior to your dental consultation is crucial.
First, it will aid in clearing away any plaque or tartar that may have amassed on your teeth. It will also be simpler for the dentist to examine your teeth carefully and give them a thorough cleaning. Second, brushing your teeth will help you have a fresher breath before your visit.
Finally, brushing your teeth before seeing the dentist has benefits beyond maintaining a healthy mouth. It is also a sign of respect for the dentist and their staff. It demonstrates your respect for their time and your attention to your dental health.
- Avoid coffee or energy drinks before your trip
A common question asked by patients is whether they can eat before a dental checkup. The answer: it depends on what type of dental procedure you’ll be undergoing. There are procedures for which you may need to do some sort of preparation. This can include limiting food intake for many hours prior to the appointment.
Regardless of the procedure, it is generally advised to avoid consuming coffee or energy drinks before their appointment. Depending on the patient, dental appointments can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Caffeine jitters might make it difficult for your dentist to give you the treatment you need.
- Bring an insurance card/form of payment
Making sure you have all the required insurance and payment information on hand is crucial. The front desk staff can process your documentation more accurately and help you avoid any treatment delays.
Ask ahead of time if you have any questions regarding your insurance coverage or your available payment alternatives so that you will be ready for your visit. You can guarantee that your dentist appointment goes easily and without any unwanted issues by being organized and prepared.
- Don’t be afraid to tell them what’s bothering you
Your dentist will examine every part of your mouth, and if they find any irregularities, they might dig a little deeper to determine if there are more serious problems with your dental health. If anything within your mouth, such as your lips, cheeks, tongue, tonsils, or gums, is irritating you, let them know as soon as you can. Speaking out will help your dentist make an accurate assessment and ensure that you receive pain-free care. Many patients are reluctant to discuss illnesses that are hurting them with the dentist because they do not want to burden them or because they do not feel like their worries are valid.
It is common to experience nervousness before going to the dentist. Many people experience anxiety before these appointments, but if you stick to these guidelines, you may find yourself worrying less.
For dental care in Sarnia, Lambton Family Dental offers a wide variety of dental services for every member of your family. Call us now at (519) 344-5747 to make an appointment