Dental appointments are an important part of your dental hygiene routine and your overall health. Generally, these appointments follow the same routine to ensure that you get the highest quality of care. If you’re unsure of what to expect at your next dental appointment, here are some things you can expect.
Signing in with the Receptionist
When you first arrive at the dentist’s office, expect to sign in with the receptionist and fill out any necessary paperwork that might be required. If you have dental insurance, be prepared with your card and any relevant co-pays that might be applicable. If you are a new patient, plan to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes earlier than your appointment time to fill out paperwork about the office’s privacy policies and your health. The dentist will want to know about past medical procedures, health conditions, and allergies, especially to medications or latex.
X-Rays
If this is your first dental appointment at this particular practice or if it’s an annual check-up, you can expect to have x-rays taken of your mouth, teeth, and jaw line to identify any potential dental concerns. Dental x-rays are considered safe, although you should discuss any concerns about the procedure to your dentist. Pregnant women may want to check with their health practitioners to see if x-rays should wait until after the baby is born.
Examination
During most dental appointments, your dentist will examine your mouth and teeth. The dentist will look to see if your gums are healthy and if any dental issues, such as cavities, emerged since your last appointment. If this is your first time or if it’s an annual check-up, the examination should take more time to complete.
Procedure
Next, the dentist will complete whatever procedure you came in for. This may include a filling or a root canal. Dental cleanings are typically performed by experienced dental hygienists. You’ll be offered pain relief, topical or injectable, for more invasive procedures that may cause pain. Surgical procedures may require nitrous oxide gas or further sedation.
Recommendations
Depending on what the dentist finds during the examination, the dentist may make recommendations for procedures or improved dental hygiene. The dentist should explain what is recommended, as well as why and how it should help. If there is time available to complete the recommended procedure, it is possible that it could take place during your dental appointment.
Quotes
Your dentist should provide you with a price quote for services before completing any of the recommended procedures. If you have dental insurance, the dentist or staff members will determine what your out of pocket costs are. In some cases, especially for more expensive procedures, you may have to agree in writing to the procedure.
Going to the dentist should be a quick and painless part of your oral hygiene routine. If you schedule regular dental appointments, you should catch small dental issues, like cavities, before they become more serious and expensive dental procedures, like root canals. At Savannah Dental Solutions, we provide professional, expert dental care. Call us at 912-354-1366 for an appointment today.
