What Happens at the First Dental Visit? The first dental visit is usually short and involves very little treatment. This visit gives your child an opportunity to meet the dentist in a non-threatening and friendly way. Some dentists may ask the parent to sit in the dental chair and hold their child during the exam.
What should I expect on my first visit to the dentist?
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 …
What happens at a dental hygienist visit?
Dentists will be able to review the health of any impacted teeth, the presence of abscesses, cysts, or tumors, and any decay happening below the surface of the gums. If the dentist is content with your teeth, gums, and mouth at the end of the appointment, you will not need to make another appointment for six months for your next examination and cleaning.
Can you watch movies during a dental visit?
· A routine visit to the dentist usually involves a dental exam, x-rays, and a thorough professional cleaning. For adults it is recommended to visit the dentist every 6 months for a routine checkup and cleaning. A routine dental check-up will include: A Dental Exam: This exam usually includes an assessment of your teeth, gums, and tongue. The purpose is to confirm …
How often should I go to the dentist?
The health industries strongly suggest that you visit your dentist twice a year. The regular procedures that you can expect will begin with a full examination of your teeth, your gums and all soft tissue in your mouth. They will perform an oral screening of your tongue, cheeks, lips and neck identifying any signs of cancer.
What is included in a dental visit?
What's included in a dental check-up?Using various tools and instruments they will remove or scrape tartar and plaque from around your gum line and the surface of your teeth.Polish your teeth.Report their findings to the dentist.Take X-rays if ordered by the dentist.
What are three 3 things you need to consider when making a dental appointment?
Seven Things to Do Before You Next Dentist AppointmentConfirm 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.
How do I prepare for a dentist appointment?
Here are some tips to help.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.More items...
Should I brush my teeth before going to the dentist?
If you're wondering if you should brush your teeth before going to the dentist, the answer is yes. You absolutely can brush (and floss) your teeth the day of your next office visit.
What do you wear to a dentist appointment?
WHAT TO WEAR: Considering the nature of a dental cleaning and other dental appointments, it is advised that you wear comfortable clothes that do not restrict movement of the head and neck. These clothes should also be easily cleaned.
How do you get plaque off your teeth before dentist?
Mix a teaspoon of aloe vera gel with four teaspoons of glycerine (an ingredient found in many toothpastes), five tablespoons of baking soda, a drop of lemon essential oil, and a cup of water. Once mixed, use the mixture to clean your teeth to gradually remove plaque and tartar.
What can a dentist give you for anxiety?
Medications to reduce dental anxiety Your dentist may prescribe anti-anxiety drugs, such as diazepam (Valium), that you can take one hour before a scheduled dental visit. Your dentist may also recommend conscious sedation, such as nitrous oxide (or “laughing gas”), which can help calm nerves.
Should I eat before a dentist appointment?
If the appointment is for dental treatment that will require sedation or general anesthesia to undergo the procedure comfortably and safely, solid food must stop eight hours beforehand.
How can I impress my dentist?
5 Tips to Impress Your Dentist at Your Next CheckupDrink 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.
What does 0 mean at the dentist?
Have you ever wondered what the numbers we call during your appointment mean? This is us scoring your gums between 0 and 4. Zero is the best you can get, meaning your gums are perfect! While 4 can indicate gum disease.
Can your dentist tell if you floss?
Yes, the Dentist Knows Obviously, your dentist will be able to tell if your habit of not flossing has led to cavities between your teeth. However, even if the problem hasn't reached that point yet, your dentist and dental hygienist will still be able to tell in a second whether you've been flossing.
Can I eat after a dentist appointment?
With a regular dental cleaning, you can go ahead and eat after the cleaning, unless you also received a fluoride treatment. If you received a fluoride treatment, you should wait 30 minutes before eating. The fluoride needs time for the treatment to take effect and for the fluoride to be absorbed into the teeth.
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 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 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 ...
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 ...
Oral Health is a part of YOUR health
The first time you visit the dentist you may be surprised when they ask you questions about the health of your body. The reason is that the health of your teeth is connected to your overall health. One of the first things the dentist may do at your first visit to their clinic is take a full health history.
Routine Visits
If you take good care of your teeth at home and have stable oral health without tooth aches or sensitivity, most of your visits to the dentist should be routine. What does routine mean? A routine visit to the dentist usually involves a dental exam, x-rays, and a thorough professional cleaning.
How long before your next visit should be scheduled?
When you leave your appointment, the clinic staff will discuss with you when they would like to see you next. Depending on the results of your oral exam, your dentist may need to see you in less than 6 months for another cleaning, a filling, or another treatment procedure. This will be discussed with you at the end of your visit.
On your first dental visit
Arrive 15 minutes early to fill out paperwork. Have your insurance and photo ID available, as well as a current list of medications. A full health history will be reviewed. Answer all questions honestly and completely.
Follow up visits
Arrive on time. If your medical history or medications have changed, tell your dentist or hygienist. Expect to have updates of X-rays, blood pressure, and oral cancer exam.
How often should I see my dental professional?
Always follow the advice of your dentist or hygienist. The return visits after active treatment are personalized and based on your history and risk for oral disease.
Should I ask what measures my dental office takes to prevent the spread of infection?
Yes, you should ask and get understandable answers. You need to feel comfortable with your care setting.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Dental X-rays are the best way to diagnose cavities between the teeth and periodontal (gum) disease, and radiation exposure from dental X-rays is very low. We receive approximately an equal amount of radiation daily just from our environment.
Should I ask if my dental provider holds a current license to practice in my state?
Yes, you can ask to see it! Dentists and dental hygienists hold a state license with the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation. Their current license must be on display in his or her place of employment.
Should I report any suspicious practices or unlicensed dental providers?
Yes, always protect yourself and others. If things in the dental office cause concern or if the person working in your mouth does not have a license, report it to the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation.
How Often Should You Visit The Dentist?
Most people dread dentist visits. But there’s no reason to be afraid of dental visits, especially if you’re visiting a good dentist in Houston. If you find a good dental clinic in Houston, the dentist and dental hygienist will surely ensure your experience is pleasant and painless.
How do dentists clean teeth?
Your teeth cleaning starts with dental exams to determine if you have gum disease.
Does repeated scaling damage our teeth?
Regular dental scaling is essential for optimal oral health. Most patients need teeth scaling twice a year to remove all the accumulated plaque and tartar and restore optimal oral hygiene. With optimal regularity, dental scaling doesn’t damage your teeth.
What if my tooth has extensive damage?
If your tooth has extensive damage, the dentist will determine the ideal treatment options for restoration. Depending on the severity of the damage, the dentist may recommend dental fillings, inlays and onlays, dental crowns, root canals, or even tooth extractions.
What is the best age for dental implants?
There is no ideal age for dental implants. Patients of all ages can get dental implants to replace missing teeth. The only requirement for dental implants is that you should have enough jawbone tissues to support the implant.
First Visit to a Dentist: What to Expect
I would like to share my ideas on what a first visit to the dentist should be like for the patient. With my 30 plus years of experience as a private practice general dentist to shape my views. I am continually striving to improve my abilities and methods, but I feel I have a good grasp of this procedure.
How Long is the First Visit to a Dentist?
I believe most new patients value the amount of time I allow for a new comprehensive patient evaluation, approximately 1 hour. We often receive compliments on how thorough the examination was. I enjoy getting to know the patients and hearing about their jobs, stresses, kids, hobbies, etc.
A First Class First Visit Examination
I think every new patient deserves a first class examination. The process begins with the initial phone call and relies on the skills of my front desk person to gather all the data necessary for my office to be prepared for a new patient visit.
More than Just a Visit to the Dentist
My initial meeting with the patient includes an introduction to the patient by my assistant. Before sitting a patient back in the dental chair I like to review their personal information, medical history, dental history and any areas of concern.
Expect to have X-rays Taken
After this fairly brief conversation I like to focus on why they are here and begin my examination with a very brief look in their mouth before I request any radiographs (x-rays). The patient is still in the chair and upright.
An Oral Health Screen
My oral examination consists of documenting many things present including:
First Dental Visit Examination Steps
I can now move to the mouth itself. I’ll continue the cancer screening intra orally including gum tissue, cheeks, lips, tongue, palate, tonsil area, and under the tongue.