WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR DENTAL APPOINTMENT
You know that saying, “Better late than never”? Well, that is not necessarily true for dentistry. The longer you leave untreated dental work, the more painful and the more expensive it will be. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), it is recommended to visit the dentist once every six months (yes, it may be technically more often than your medical doctor—but do you realize how often you utilize your mouth and teeth?!). If a toothache is the only reason you visit the dentist, you may want to continue reading, then follow up by scheduling your next dental visit ASAP. Whether it’s your very first visit, or your 100th visit, here’s what you can expect to happen at your next dental appointment.
Check-In/Paperwork
Any reputable dental office has some form of paperwork, or a general check in process. If the one you’re planning to visit does not, then run for the hills and find another office as soon as you can. The paperwork generally includes basic demographic information, past medical history and any consents you may need to sign for treatment. Depending on the office, someone may go through the paperwork with you, or you may complete the paperwork alone. Some offices offer online options, where you can fill out your paperwork ahead of time, and at your own pace, before you even make it to your appointment. At this time, the office may ask you to provide your dental insurance information, if any.
TIP: This is also the perfect time to ask about payment options and whether there are any payment plans available!
Chief Concern: Reason for Your Visit
So once you’re all done with paperwork, you should be met by a dental assistant (or hygienist) who will ask you a series of questions about your dental history, as well as the reason for your visit that day. The assistant may inquire about your last known visit (if any) to a dentist, and whether or not you’ve have any minor or major dental procedures in the past. If you’re a teenager or an adult and you can’t remember whether or not you’ve have dental work completed, no worries! Thanks to great technology, most X-rays can show all the previous dental work you have no recollection of (well, if the dental work was done correctly…).
Diagnostic X-rays
The dental assistant will then move on to the interesting stuff—dental X-rays (or radiographs). The assistant generally takes two types of X-rays: bitewings and a full mouth (or panoramic) X-ray. Both X-rays are important and necessary in order for your dentist to get an accurate representation of your teeth.
Bitewing X-Ray
Panoramic X-ray
Diagnostic X-rays help the dentist perform a thorough, and comprehensive oral exam, ensuring you get the most accurate diagnosis. These X-rays not only show your dentist any previous dental work, but it can also show tooth decay (aka cavities) and the status of any wisdom teeth. The dentist usually performs the exam shortly after the assistant completes the X-rays. The dentist will use a series of instruments to complete the dental exam.
Dental Exam
This will honestly feel like the shortest part of your entire appointment. Some dentists are more thorough than others, so the exact time length of your appointment will vary depending on their skill and attention to detail. The dentist may begin with an oral cancer exam, which usually takes about a minute or two to complete (if your dentist does not, request that they complete this exam!). Dentists usually perform dental exams with the help of a dental assistant, but this too can vary, depending on your particular dentist. A great dentist will review your X-rays with you, while pointing out areas of concern for you to visualize. It is extremely important to pay close attention and ask plenty of questions about any diagnosis while you’re still in the room with the dentist.
via GIPHY
Treatment Presentation