Maybe you’ve skipped your routine visit due to COVID-19 or you’re new to your dental plan or you just haven’t had time for a checkup. Perhaps you’re worried about the cost, or you’re a little scared of the dentist’s chair. Whatever the reason, Dr. Shaban and his dental care team is here to put your mind at ease. Make that appointment. We’ll guide you through it.
What you can expect at your dental appointment
Before we dive into what happens at the dentist, let’s address the elephant in the exam room: fear. Many people are scared of going to the dentist. If you have any fears or concerns, you’re not alone and it’s totally okay. Let the dental hygienist (your dentist’s assistant) know right away what it is about the visit that makes you nervous or uncomfortable. They’re sure to have some solutions to help. Dental checkups may vary, but here are a few things you’ll likely experience.
First, a dental hygienist will clean your teeth. This process includes:
- Checking your gum line. Gums can tell a lot about the overall health of your teeth.
- Removing tartar (hard mineral buildup) from your teeth by using either a small instrument called a scaler or an ultrasonic cleaner.
- Flossing your teeth to remove any plaque or food particles.
- Polishing your teeth to help remove stains. Your cleaning helps your teeth look brighter. It also reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Finishing the job with an optional fluoride treatment to prevent cavities.
Next, the dental hygienist may check on your overall health by:
- Discussing the foods and drinks you consume. They want to make sure you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals. They’ll also help you understand which kinds of foods and drinks cause the most damage to your teeth.
Then, your dentist will come in to examine you. They will:
- Look over your teeth and gums to make sure everything looks healthy.
- Perform an oral cancer screening. (It’s painless and only takes a minute.)
- Feel for lumps along your neck, gums and under your tongue.
- Create a personalized care plan based on your risk levels.
Also, your dentist may want to take X-rays. To do this, your dental hygienist or dentist will:
- Take you into the clinic X-Ray room.
- Place a heavy apron across your body for protection.
- Insert a small piece of plastic in your mouth. You’ll bite down on it to align your teeth properly. Repeat this several times to thoroughly evaluate your teeth.
Ta-da! Your visit is (most likely) over!
See? Dental visits are usually simple and quick! If your dentist sees any red flags, such as signs of gum disease or tooth decay, they’ll likely share tips on better brushing and flossing habits. In some cases, your dentist may suggest other dental treatment or recommend that you see an orthodontist, who could answer questions you might have about braces and teeth straightening. Your dentist may also provide you with a risk assessment, helping to measure your overall health level from low risk to high risk.
Four important reasons to see your dentist regularly
- You’ll get to know your hygienist and dentist
Knowing your hygienist and dentist better makes asking questions, voicing concerns and getting through your dental appointments much more comfortable. - You’ll enjoy a healthier smile
One of the first things people notice about you is your smile. Seeing the dentist regularly means healthier teeth overall and this can lead to a happier, more confident you. - You won’t have to live with dental pain
If your teeth or gums hurt or bleed when you eat, drink, brush or floss, time won’t heal them. Contact your dentist at the first sign of pain or irritation. - Having healthy teeth is key to a healthier you
Your dentist knows what to look for when checking your gums and teeth. In fact, you might not even know anything is wrong at all because there aren’t any noticeable signs or symptoms. During a dental checkup, your dentist checks for signs of gum disease, cavities, dry mouth and oral cancer. They can also see signs that may point to other health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. Visiting the dentist regularly can help ensure that you’re living your best, healthiest life.
