As a new patient, you will first see the dentist for a comprehensive exam. During this exam the dentist will discuss your health history, any concerns you may have, and may take your blood pressure to ensure you are in good health. This is a great time to let us know if you are anxious about your appointment.
What should I expect at my first visit to the dentist?
At your initial visit, your new dentist will take all of your personal details, such as your address and date of birth. They will also take a full medical history to make sure that they are fully aware of any illnesses or medication that you may be taking and they can then treat you safely. The dentist will then carry out a full check-up and chart all of your teeth and previous treatment, …
What happens during a new dentist appointment?
Your Comprehensive Exam. As a new patient, you will first see the dentist for a comprehensive exam. During this exam the dentist will discuss your health history, any concerns you may have, and may take your blood pressure to ensure you are in good health. This is a great time to let us know if you are anxious about your appointment. Your comfort is a priority and we will work to …
What happens at a baby's first dentist visit?
Most visits to the dentist include a cleaning from either the dentist or a dental hygienist. They will remove plaque or tartar that can lead to bad breath, cavities, gum disease and other issues. After that first visit, you should schedule your next appointment.
Is it bad to switch dentists on your first visit?
On your first visit to a dentist, they will take a full health history. On subsequent visits, if your health status has changed, make sure to tell them. Most dental visits are checkups. Regular checkups (ideally every six months) will help your teeth stay cleaner, last longer and can prevent painful problems from developing. A thorough cleaning
What does a new patient dental exam consist of?
What is the best thing to do before a dentist appointment?
- Choose a Trustworthy Dentist. ...
- Confirm Your Dental Appointment. ...
- Provide your Dentist With Your Dental History. ...
- Bring Your Payment and Insurance Information. ...
- Provide Your Dentist With a List of All Medications and Doses. ...
- Sleep Well the Night Before.
What are three 3 things you need to consider when making a dental appointment?
- Confirm the Appointment. Before anything, make sure you have all the right information. ...
- Know What You Are Going For. ...
- Clean That Mouth Out. ...
- Don't Be Late! ...
- Have Your Information Ready. ...
- Share a Thorough Medical History. ...
- Be Open and Honest.
What should happen at a dentist appointment?
- examine your teeth, gums and mouth.
- ask about your general health and any problems you've had with your teeth, mouth or gums since your last visit.
- ask about, and give you advice on, your diet, smoking and alcohol use, and teeth-cleaning habits.
- discuss a date for your next visit.
What should you not do before a dentist appointment?
How early should you arrive to the dentist?
What do you say when you call a new dentist?
- Tell them if you're a new patient or a returning patient.
- Let them know the reason for your visit: are you in pain? ...
- Any preferences you have for your visit to make you feel more comfortable: male or female dentist, days and times you're available.
How do I prepare for my first orthodontist appointment?
- Explain clearly the need for the appointment. ...
- Encourage your child that he or she is not alone. ...
- Share what to expect at that first orthodontist appointment. ...
- Meet your orthodontist. ...
- Introduce the treatment options.
What do dentist use for fillings?
How do you get your dentist to like you?
- Drink Water. Staying hydrated is critical for the health of your body and mouth. ...
- Brush Your Teeth & Your Tongue. ...
- Floss Daily. ...
- Chew Sugar-Free Gum. ...
- Use a Nightguard to Combat Bruxism.
Should I go to the dentist during Covid?
There are special steps they can take to lower the chances that the virus will spread. They'll work with you and your doctor to get you the right care. Let your dental office know if you start feeling ill with COVID-19 symptoms within 14 days of your appointment.Mar 21, 2022
How long after a dentist appointment can I eat?
What information does a dentist take?
At your initial visit, your new dentist will take all of your personal details, such as your address and date of birth. They will also take a full medical history to make sure that they are fully aware of any illnesses or medication that you may be taking and they can then treat you safely.
Can a dentist take diagnostic x-rays?
They may also take diagnostic x-rays. If you need to have any dental treatment, your dentist will discuss this with you. They may give you a treatment plan and tell you what the cost is going to be. You can make any further appointments as necessary.
What do dental hygienists use to work on teeth?
At a typical dental appointment, the dental hygienist covers your chest with a plastic or paper cloth. Laying out on a tray, you’ll see ultrasonic tools that the hygienist uses to work on your teeth.
What to do if you feel pain during a dental cleaning?
Please inform your hygienist if you are feeling pain or discomfort throughout the cleaning process. There will be rest breaks when needed. The hygienist will then bring in the dentist to conduct a thorough exam and check each tooth. They will be looking for pockets or gaps between your teeth and gums.
What tool do dentists use to check gums?
They will be looking for pockets or gaps between your teeth and gums. A periodontal probe, metal or ultrasonic tool, helps the dentist find any problem areas while measuring the depth of your gum pockets.
What is the best tool to measure gum pockets?
They will be looking for pockets or gaps between your teeth and gums. A periodontal probe, metal or ultrasonic tool, helps the dentist find any problem areas while measuring the depth of your gum pockets. Once completed, the dentists will talk to you about your oral health.
What is a periodontal probe?
A periodontal probe, metal or ultrasonic tool, helps the dentist find any problem areas while measuring the depth of your gum pockets. Once completed, the dentists will talk to you about your oral health. Feel free to ask any questions and address comments or concerns at this time.
What to do if your mouth is sore?
If your mouth is sore, it is suggested to take over-the-counter pain relievers. Don’t hesitate to call the office between routine visits if you have additional questions or are experiencing any pain and discomfort.
How long does a dental appointment last?
The average time a dental appointment lasts is 30 to 45 minutes. You can expect a full exam of teeth, jaws, bite, gums, oral tissues to check the growth and development. A gentle cleaning might take place if needed, followed by polishing teeth and removing plaque, tartar and stains. The dentist may conduct a minor tutorial on how ...
Why is it important to have regular dental appointments?
Regular dental appointments are an important part of maintaining your overall health and wellbeing.
Can a dental assistant take digital x-rays?
The dental assistant will then take digital x-rays for the doctor to review. Radiation from digital dental x-rays is very low, especially in comparison to traditional x-rays. For more information, speak with your dentist or dental assistant.
What does a new patient see at a dentist?
As a new patient, you will first see the dentist for a comprehensive exam. During this exam the dentist will discuss your health history, any concerns you may have, and may take your blood pressure to ensure you are in good health. This is a great time to let us know if you are anxious about your appointment.
Do gentle dentists have a referral?
Based on your exam, your dentist will develop a personalized treatment plan and discuss options with you. If dental care is needed with a specialist, all Gentle Dental practices have dental specialists on staff without the need for a referral. Consultations with a specialist are always free. At your first visit, you may not receive a cleaning.
Can you get a cleaning at your first dental visit?
At your first visit, you may not receive a cleaning. A cleaning may be completed after the doctor ensures it is the appropriate treatment for your specific oral health. There are certain conditions that determine if a cleaning is not the first best course of treatment. Once your oral health is stabilized, you can expect to have your exam ...
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What do dentists do on their first visit?
On your first visit to a dentist, they will take a full health history. On subsequent visits, if your health status has changed, make sure to tell them. Most dental visits are checkups.
What is a dental checkup?
A thorough cleaning. Checkups almost always include a complete cleaning, either from your dentist or a dental hygienist. Using special instruments, a dental hygienist will scrape below the gumline, removing built-up plaque and tartar that can cause gum disease, cavities, bad breath and other problems. Your dentist or hygienist may also polish and ...
What does a dental hygienist do?
Using special instruments, a dental hygienist will scrape below the gumline, removing built-up plaque and tartar that can cause gum disease, cavities, bad breath and other problems. Your dentist or hygienist may also polish and floss your teeth. A full examination.
What is the purpose of a dental exam?
A full examination. Your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums and mouth, looking for signs of disease or other problems. His or her goal is to help maintain your good oral health and to prevent problems from becoming serious, by identifying and treating them as soon as possible. X-rays.
What does a dentist do?
Your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums and mouth, looking for signs of disease or other problems. His or her goal is to help maintain your good oral health and to prevent problems from becoming serious, by identifying and treating them as soon as possible. X-rays.
Can a dentist do X-rays?
Depending on your age, risks of disease and symptoms, your dentist may recommend X-rays. X-rays can diagnose problems otherwise unnoticed, such as damage to jawbones, impacted teeth, abscesses, cysts or tumors, and decay between the teeth. A modern dental office uses machines that emit virtually no radiation — no more than you would receive ...
What can an X-ray tell you?
X-rays can diagnose problems otherwise unnoticed, such as damage to jawbones, impacted teeth, abscesses, cysts or tumors, and decay between the teeth. A modern dental office uses machines that emit virtually no radiation — no more than you would receive from a day in the sun or a weekend watching TV. As a precaution, you should always wear ...
What to bring to a dental appointment?
For your first appointment, there are several things you can bring with you to make your visit as simple and convenient as possible, including: 1 Your dental insurance card (if applicable) 2 Any recent dental x-rays 3 Information about your medical history, including medications 4 A form of identification, such as your driver's license or military ID
What does an oral exam do?
The oral exam allows your dentist to obtain a complete picture of the health of your smile. If you have not had x-rays taken within the past six months, you will likely have some taken during this appointment as well.
Can you wait until your next dental appointment?
Depending on your needs, you may also have a professional cleaning from a dental hygienist during this appointment. In some cases, your dentist may recommend waiting until your next appointment.
Can you have a dental cleaning at your next appointment?
In some cases, your dentist may recommend waiting until your next appointment.
How long does it take to get a dental appointment?
An initial dental appointment typically takes between one and two hours. Generally, it is best to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to complete any patient forms. Preparing for your appointment in advance can help expedite the visit.
What should front desk coordinators do?
Among other objectives, your front desk coordinator should gather not only the typical patient information but also more personal facts—which will contribute to relationship-building. On the morning of the first visit, inform the team about new patients, including any personal details the front desk can share during the daily business meeting.
What is Levin Group?
This resource was provided by Levin Group, a leading dental consulting firm that provides dentists innovative management and marketing systems that result in increased patient referrals, production and profitability, while lowering stress. Since 1985, dentists have relied on Levin Group dental consulting to increase production.
Before the Appointment
Plan enough time off from work or school to feel less rushed or anxious about getting back. When you make your appointment, ask how long a cleaning and exam usually take, then add extra time to that. You'll be in the dentist's chair longer if it's been a while since your last visit.
A Routine Visit
A dental hygienist covers your chest with a plastic or paper cloth, and you may get eye shields to wear, too. You'll see a tray of metal and perhaps ultrasonic tools. The hygienist uses these, working a tooth at a time, to scrape off any hard buildup of plaque and tartar on the surfaces and along your gumline.
A First or Non-Routine Visit
If it's been a while since you've seen the dentist, you can expect the same care as a routine visit, as well as some extras.
Follow-up Care
When your mouth is healthy, you should probably get a cleaning and exam every 6 months. Depending on what the dentist finds during your exam, they'll recommend a treatment plan, dealing with the most needed care first.
