What to expect when you havent been to the dentist in years?
If you haven't been to the dentist for some time, you will probably have a significant amount of plaque on the surfaces of your teeth. For this reason, it may take some time for the hygienist to professionally clean each tooth. This is especially likely if you've never had teeth cleaned by a professional.Nov 23, 2021
How long can you avoid the dentist?
Usually, the recommended maximum amount of time between dental appointments is six months. However, your dentist in Fairfax may recommend that certain people visit more often, including those who are at higher risk of developing dental problems such as: Pregnant women. Smokers.Sep 8, 2021
Why have I not been a dentist in 10 years?
If you haven't been to the dentist in over 10 years, it is likely that you will need to fill a cavity and/or take preventative action against gum disease. 5. One-on-one conversation. After your examination, you will want to chat with your dentist about next steps.Mar 13, 2017
What happens if you don't go to the dentist for a while?
Plaque left on the tooth roots can create decay on these very vulnerable areas of the tooth structure, as the roots do not have enamel to help protect them. Skipping a dental appointment will allow plaque time to build up and attack your teeth, which can ultimately lead to irreversible damage and even tooth loss.Sep 19, 2020
What happens when you don't go to the dentist for 5 years?
Patients who neglect proper care of their mouths by not regularly seeing a dentist, risk not only getting tooth and gum disease, but they also risk getting diseases and illnesses in other parts of their body. Some major health conditions related to oral health include heart disease, diabetes, stroke and breast cancer.Sep 25, 2017
Is it too late to go to dentist?
Many people believe that if they haven't seen a dentist in many years, it's too late to start. However, nothing could be farther than the truth. It is absolutely never too late to visit a dentist, and start down a path that will lead to improved oral health.May 24, 2019
How do you know if your teeth are rotten?
Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold. Visible holes or pits in your teeth. Brown, black or white staining on any surface of a tooth. Pain when you bite down.Mar 19, 2022
Should I be embarrassed for the dentist?
If you've ever stayed away from the dentist because you felt like you had the worst teeth ever, you're not alone. A lot of people are hesitant or afraid of the dentist because of bad teeth or chronic dental problems. If you're one of them, rest assured that there's nothing to be embarrassed about.Aug 20, 2020
How do I know I need a root canal?
Signs you may need root canal therapy include:Severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure.Prolonged sensitivity (pain) to hot or cold temperatures (after the heat or cold has been removed)Discoloration (darkening) of the tooth.Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums.More items...•Oct 22, 2020
Do you actually need to go to the dentist?
They recommend that children go at least once a year because their teeth can decay faster, while adults without problems can wait as long as two years. They even go as far as to say that longer than two years is OK for people who have shown commitment to caring for their teeth and gums.Sep 26, 2014
Is decay a cavity?
But the truth is that tooth decay and cavities describe two different things. Decay is a progressive tooth disease caused when enamel is compromised and the tooth is exposed to harmful oral bacteria. A cavity is the hole that forms in your tooth as the decay works its way through your tooth structure.
How often do teeth need to be cleaned?
General guidelines state that patients should make an appointment for a professional dental cleaning every six months. While this is ideal for most people, some will need to come in every three months and others will only need to come in every nine or 12 months.
Why do people skip the dentist?
The reasons why people skip the dentist vary. A lot of people experience anxiety or even fear going to the dentist and avoid it. Others are concerned about the cost, especially if they’re not covered by dental insurance.
What is the job of a dentist?
It’s the dentist’s job to provide professional oral care and advice—not to judge or shame their patients. Depending on the dentist’s chairside manner, they might give a mild lecture or some good-natured teasing about staying away so long. Anything harsher would be unprofessional and might indicate you should shop for a different dentist. (You can find a new dentist and set up an appointment here .)
Do you need a dental history for a dentist appointment?
Be sure to set aside a sufficient block of time for your appointment. Since it may have been years since your last appointment, the dentist will almost certainly need updated paperwork and a full dental history. Even if you’ve seen this dentist before, as far as their records go, you’re essentially starting from scratch.
Why is it important to have regular dental visits?
Regular dental visits help prevent pain and tooth loss. Good dental health even helps overall physical health. And nice clean teeth simply look and feel better. Now that you’ve taken the leap to make that appointment when you haven’t been to the dentist in years, we highly recommend that you keep it up.
What to ask a dentist about dental health?
The dentist will likely ask about your general health since your last visit, as well as any dental issues you’re experiencing. Often medical issues or prescriptions can impact a patient’s teeth, so this is necessary information. In addition to examining your x-rays, he or she will check that your bite is in proper alignment, prod your fillings to check for loosening, and examine the condition of your gums for signs of periodontal disease. Dentists are also trained to check the inside of the cheeks, lips, and under the tongue for indications of mouth cancer.
Do hygienists take x-rays?
And even if your teeth feel fine, they will take a full set of x-rays to get the full picture of your dental health.
Does a dental exam show cancer?
Dentists are also trained to check the inside of the cheeks, lips, and under the tongue for indications of mouth cancer. This dental exam doesn’t take very long but will give the dentist a lot of information about your mouth health. If you have questions about what they’re looking for, just ask.
What does a dentist check for?
Next, your dentist will check for cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. This part is generally painless – gum disease and cancer are visual examinations, while cavities can be detected with a small hook tool. They’ll also do a physical examination for bite alignment issues, and they’ll ask about any aches or pains.
Do I need to fill out new patient forms?
If you’re seeing a new dentist, you’ll want to have your dental records sent to the new office (no matter how old the records are). You’ll need to fill out new patient forms as well. You can usually find these forms online prior to your appointment.
What are the complications of dental disease?
Complications from dental diseases can affect total body health and lead to much more painful (and expensive) conditions. If you’ve identified other issues (like unusual aches or pains), they’ll do what they can to diagnose the issue and make you more comfortable. Like Christmas, but for your teeth. 6. Goodie bag.
Is it normal for your gums to bleed?
Note: If you don’t practice strict oral hygiene, your gums are probably going to bleed. This is normal. Your hygienist can give brushing and flossing tips to reduce future inflammation. 4. Detailed checkup. Next, your dentist will check for cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer.
Why do dentists take X-rays?
X-rays. Your dentist will want to take X-rays of your teeth and mouth to make sure that no serious problems have developed in the time since your last appointment. From the X-rays, your dentist will be able to assess your oral health in its entirety and then provide any necessary treatment recommendations from there. 4.
What to do after teeth cleaning?
Comprehensive mouth-check. After your teeth have been cleaned by the hygienist, your dentist will meticulously check your mouth for cavities, signs of gum disease , and possible problems that could have occurred. If you haven’t been to the dentist in over 10 years, it is likely that you will need to fill a cavity and/or take preventative action ...
What to do after a dental exam?
One-on-one conversation. After your examination, you will want to chat with your dentist about next steps. You may have to make a follow up dental appointment for a filling, or perhaps you will be referred out for a more intensive procedure.
Schedule Your Judgment-Free Dentist Appointment
Clinton Dental Center is a safe, nonjudgmental dentist office. No matter how long it has been since you’ve seen the dentist, you can walk in with confidence knowing that we will not judge you for your smile. Our goal is to clean and protect your smile, regardless of its current state.
What to Expect during Your First Dentist Appointment in Years
If you haven’t been to the dentist in years, the first appointment might be slightly different than what you remember. Here’s what you can expect:
How to Maintain Your Oral Health Moving forward
After your first dentist appointment in years, follow the care recommendations your dentist provides. This may include changing your brushing technique, using fluoride mouthwash, wearing your retainer more often, avoiding sugary foods, and countless other oral health tips.
How Should I Prepare for My First Visit Back?
Whether you’re a new patient to our practice, or returning after a long break, be sure to arrive for your appointment a little early. If you’re already feeling a little anxious over the thought of sitting in the exam chair, you certainly don’t want to add any unnecessary stress by running late..
What Can I Expect During the Cleaning and Exam?
If you haven’t been seen in some time, plaque has had plenty of time build up.. This is one of the reasons why your visit may take longer than you’re used to. All of that extra plaque buildup can sometimes take a while, and even multiple visits to completely remove.
Moving Forward
After you’ve completed the process of your first appointment back in a while, and found that it wasn’t as scary as you had initially thought, hopefully you’ll feel much better about your smile, and yourself! NOW is the perfect time to get back on track with regularly scheduled exams and cleanings, so please be sure to make, and most importantly keep, an appointment for another checkup in 6 months.
Why is it important to have regular dental appointments?
Regular dental appointments help catch small problems before they turn into big, expensive and complicated problems, so it really is worth your while to come in regularly. If finances are a problem, many offices have payment plans or can otherwise work with you to make your treatments more affordable.
What happens if you get stuck in traffic?
Getting stuck in traffic will make you more nervous and anxious for your appointment, so spare yourself the pain! Also, you’ll want to make sure you have ample time to fill out the paperwork you’ll need to do, which will be much easier if you’re not trying to beat the clock.
How to clean teeth after xrays?
3. Clean up! After the x-rays are over, the dental hygienist will clean your teeth using an assortment of water tools and hand tools. Even if you’ve been brushing and flossing religiously in the time since your last appointment, you’ll still likely to have a lot of plaque.
Do you have to have x-rays if you haven't been to the dentist in over
Even if you’re returning to a dentist you used to see regularly, you’re still going to have x-rays taken if you haven’t been to the dentist in over a year. These are crucial, as the dentist can’t make a full assessment of your oral health without knowing what’s going on under the gumline.
Is it normal for gums to bleed?
Your gums will be more prone to inflammation and may bleed or feel sore, which is normal. The cleaning process is what will help your teeth and gums feel less sore next time — as long as you also do your part and get into a regular brushing and flossing routine between visits. 4. Cavity check.
Relaxing Atmosphere
You may feel stressed about walking into the dentist’s office for the first time in years, but many dental practices now take into consideration that some of their patients may feel anxiety around visiting the dentist.
Gentle Dentistry
Dentistry has had many improvements over the years, and many dental offices use advanced technology to provide their patients with gentle dental treatments.
Compassionate Care
If your teeth haven’t been cleaned or examined in a long time, you may feel insecure about them, but it’s important to remember that dental hygienists and dentists aren’t there to judge you or make you feel uncomfortable.
