Experts recommend that adults visit the dentist at least once a year. This is because it’s one of the easiest ways to maintain good dental hygiene, which is instrumental in managing your overall health. For example, scientific studies have found a clear link between tooth loss and cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
Despite the importance of routine check-ups, a staggering 60% of people are scared of going to the dentist, often because they do not know what to expect.
With that in mind, here’s how a typical dental appointment will pan out.
1. Meet the Receptionist.
When you arrive at the dental practice, you’ll register with the receptionist. If this is your first appointment with BurnCoat Family dental, you may have to complete some routine paperwork at this stage.
You should always let your practitioner know if you are on any medication. You should also let them know the reason for your appointment, such as whether you are experiencing any issues or simply want a routine checkup.
2. X-Ray.
A dental assistant will come and collect you when it is time for your appointment. Sometimes, your appointment will begin with an X-Ray. This is because they can be used to easily identify and track dental problems that are not immediately visible, but may cause lots of trouble further down the line. The X-ray process is quick and painless.
3. Oral Examination.
Once the X-ray is complete, your dentist will assess the images to see if there are any major issues to address. They’ll then career out a simple examination of your teeth, gums and mouth. During this time, they may ask you questions about your dental hygiene habits, such as how often you floss, or if you drink large amounts of coffee. Answer honestly, as this will help them give you the best possible advice.
If further treatment is necessary, they will discuss this for you and encourage you to make a follow-up appointment. They’ll discuss what treatments they are considering and answer any questions you might have.
4. Teeth Cleaning.
Usually, a visit to the dentist ends with routine cleaning. During this time, the dentist or a qualified hygienist will use specialist tools and equipment to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gum line. This often allows for a much more thorough clean than you can achieve alone and helps keep dental issues at bay.
5. Follow Up.
As mentioned previously, your dentist will let you know when you should next expect to see them. If they’re putting together a treatment plan, you can speak with the receptionist to schedule this as soon as possible so that you can resolve issues quickly. Otherwise, you may not have to see them again until your next annual check-up! If anything changes between annual appointments, do not hesitate to reach out to your dentist for support.
Get in touch to find out more!
If you have any further questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact Burncoat Family Dental at 508-852-0168 or visit BurncoatFamilyDental.com