Did you know that about 44% of the world’s population suffers from untreated dental decay? Poor oral health often leads to pain and other problems.
Tooth decay may also contribute to dangerous health conditions such as cardiovascular disease. If you’ve been avoiding the dentist, it’s time to make that first dentist appointment!
Keep reading for 5 tips for preparing for your first dentist appointment.
1. Check Your Insurance and Payment Options
Ask our office about different payment options. If you have insurance, we’ll file your claims for you.
We’ll never start any treatment without making sure you understand all the costs. Keep in mind that preventative treatments are well worth the cost because they save money later.
Keeping up with preventative exams reduces the chances you’ll need emergency dental treatments too.
2. Ask Questions
It’s okay to ask questions. Do you have any concerns about your teeth?
Write down a list ahead of time so you don’t forget. Mention anything you think is important. Some things seem small but it’s good to let us know.
Do you have any tooth sensitivity? Are you grinding your teeth at night? Are your gums bleeding? These are all things you should tell us about.
3. Medical History
To better treat your dental health, we need to know about your medical history too. Do you take any medications? Be sure you write them all down and bring them with you to your first dentist appointment.
Different medications have different effects on your oral health.
4. Leave Time
Make sure you arrive about 15-30 minutes early for your first dental appointment. This gives you enough time for paperwork.
Arriving late to an appointment also increases your anxiety. Leave enough time to relax and breathe after you finish the paperwork.
5. A Full Exam
If this is your first visit, there are a few things you should expect. Our dental team needs a thorough look inside your mouth.
After you’re seated, the hygienist covers you with a cloth. Don’t let the tray of tools scare you!
You’ll have a full set of X-rays since this is your first appointment.
After X-rays, your teeth are cleaned one at a time to remove plaque. The hygienist then polishes your teeth. Feel free to let the hygienist know if you need to rest or swallow.
One of our dentists then checks your teeth, and we’ll let you know about any followup plans.
Congratulations On Your First Dentist Appointment
Now that you’ve had your first dentist appointment, your mouth and teeth feel great! Many people are afraid of the dentist but it’s much better to get regular checkups. With regular dentist visits, you head off any problems before they start.
Arrive early and bring your medication and medical history. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and bring up any concerns and leave yourself lots of time.
Sit back and relax and let us do the rest. Are you ready for your first dentist appointment? Call us now!
