What to Expect at a Dental Visit

Before you show up for your first dental visit, it is important you’ve done the work to find a dentist you trust and feel comfortable with. Once you have done that, great job! It’s not easy finding a dentist savage minnesota. The next step is to schedule a regular routine check-up and cleaning. So what’s next? Here is a rundown on what to expect at your first visit.

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Your dentist is not just concerned with your teeth. Your oral health is linked to your overall health. At your first visit, you can expect your dentist to ask you about your overall health, including a full health history. If you go back for follow-up or subsequent visits and your health changes, it is important to let your dentist know.

Most visits to the dentist are routine check-ups. It is recommended that schedule a regular checkup every six months. Scheduling regular visits will ensure your teeth stay cleaner and help you to prevent any future problems that may be painful.

A regular check-up usually includes:

After the dentist takes your health history, he will complete a full exam, including assessing your teeth, gums, and tongue. The dentist is checking for any signs or symptoms of disease. This exam is important for warding off any problems that may become serious and helping maintain the best oral health possible. After your exam you can expect your dentist to take x-rays of your teeth. This may seem strange, but your teeth are bones too! Whether or not your dentist wants to take x-rays may depend on your age, any signs or symptoms observed during your exam, or not having previous records to consult. These X-rays are important to diagnose any problems that may not be visible from the exam, including issues with the jawbones, any impacted teeth, abscesses, or cysts, or tooth decay. If you are pregnant it is important that you opt out of the x-ray at this visit. A panoramic X-ray may be an available option. This X-ray will provide a more clear and complete view of your mouth in one picture. It also helps the dentist see your bite better. After the X-ray the final step will be a complete cleaning by the dental hygienist or your dentist. Whoever is completing the cleaning will use a special set of instruments. These instruments are important to scraping the bottom of the teeth near the gumline where plaque and tartar build up. It is important to remove this build up as it can cause gum-disease, cavities, and bad breath. After removing all of the plaque the hygienist will use an electric toothbrush to polish your teeth. Lastly, they will have you rinse and they will floss for you. Your teeth will be squeaky clean, and your smile will never look better!

How long before you should schedule your next visit?

Your dentist will tell you when they want to see you next. If your exam and X-rays show that teeth and gums are healthy, you can expect to be asked to return in 3 to 6 months. If it has been awhile since your last visit and further work is needed, such as a filling or a tooth removal, your dentist will ask you to schedule an appointment before you leave. No need to worry, you are on track to get your oral health in order.

To Learn More About General Dentistry : Tips on Finding an Affordable Dentist