When it comes to beauty and health, we cannot ignore the need to take care of our teeth, those teeth we use for eating and producing the right sounds and words every time we talk. And of course, when talking to others, we want those teeth to build us confidence so that we can readily display our charming smile. What can help us achieve healthy and beautiful teeth? Well, seeing a dentist should be your first concern.
Yes, you have to consult a medical professional who specialises in oral health and that is a dentist. He is someone you can trust when it comes to dental problems and oral health maintenance. They diagnose and treat oral injuries and diseases but also prevent dental issues from bothering you. Your regular meeting with your dentist will keep your teeth healthy, functional, and confidently smiling every time. The Ivanhoe East Dental Clinic can provide you with your first dental appointment.
Don’t be intimidated, whether it is really your first time seeing a dentist, switching to a new dentist, or if it’s been a while since your last dental check-up … this is a valuable step toward better oral health. So, what happens during your first dental appointment with a new dentist?
Booking the Appointment
Your dentist is just a phone call or online booking away. So choose the method you want and be ready to share these details with the receptionist: your name, date of birth, contact details, emergency contact, health insurance if available, medical and dental history, and purpose of the visit. This is also a great time for you to ask what to bring on the appointed date, what fees to be paid, and the option of payment.
Arrival and Paperwork
If no online forms were sent to you to be filled up prior to your visit, you will be asked to fill out forms asking for your personal details, medical history, current medications, and dental concerns during your first visit. Be honest in answering them because your dental treatment if any will be affected by these factors.
Initial Conversation with the Dentist
Your first time meeting with the dentist will always start with a chat. It is the getting to know you more portion where discussions may be focused on your last dental visit, current dental problems, oral hygiene habits, and lifestyle factors. If you have any anxieties about any dental processes, tell your dentist so that he can make extra adjustments to make everything comfortable for you.
Comprehensive Oral Exam
After getting the much-needed information from you, your dentist is now ready to start a thorough dental examination – of your teeth and gums, of cavities and diseases, of your bite and jaw alignment, of your previous dental procedure, of potential oral cancer. Your current oral health will be verified in these examinations.
Dental X-Rays if Needed
Your new dentist may recommend x-rays if he suspects tooth decay in between teeth, bone infection, wisdom teeth issues, and other hidden dental structures that need to be addressed. Don’t worry, modern digital X-rays have minimal radiation and can quickly and clearly demonstrate what is going on beneath the surface.
Teeth Cleaning
Most first visits include a professional cleaning which will remove plaque and tartar which regular brushing can’t eliminate. Hard-to-reach teeth will be polished, flossed, and cleaned. Fluoride treatment may also be recommended.
Review of Findings and Treatment Plan
It’s now time to listen attentively to your dentist as he gives you your oral health status, including different types of tooth problemsdetected and priority treatments for them, the cost involved, and insurance options. Don’t hesitate to ask questions to help you with your decision.
Oral Hygiene Tips and Preventative Advice
Your dentist is also after the proper maintenance of your teeth to make them last longer. He will advise you on proper brushing, flossing, mouthwash, dietary requirements, and what to avoid for your teeth’s health.
Booking for Your Next Appointment
Your first visit will definitely not be the last, a routine check-up is usually in 6-month intervals if you don’t have follow-up treatment. This periodic visit is necessary for early detection of potential dental issues which may turn out to be more serious and expensive if not treated earlier.
Final Thoughts
Do not put off going to the dentist, this first dental appointment is actually empowering, you have done something positive for your health and you are on the right track to long-term oral health. You’re in good hands with your reliable dentist.
