Haven’t Seen Your Dentist in a While? Here’s What to Expect

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), approximately 42% of Americans do not see the dentist as often as they should. For many people it is due to fear of cost while for others it is because of dental anxiety. Fortunately, it is never too late to begin working towards a healthier smile. The dental office is a judgement-free zone. The number one priority is to help you work towards optimal oral health. If it has been a while since your last dental checkup, read on! A dentist in Lewisville explains what you can expect when you make it to the office.

How Long Should You Allow for Your Appointment?

Since it has been a while, you may want to give yourself a little bit more time than usual. You will likely need to fill out some paperwork regarding your contact information, health history, and dental insurance information if you are insured. You should reserve about an hour of your day for your dental appointment so that the team has plenty of time to get everything done and discuss any questions that you have.

What Does a Dental Visit Look Like?

There are a variety of different steps during a normal dental visit. Here are a few things you can expect when your appointment rolls around:

X-Ray

Your dentist will have you complete an x-ray on a regular basis. This is helpful when it comes to revealing issues that cannot be easily detected with the naked eye. This includes problems related to the jawbone, impacted teeth, tooth decay, and other problems. A dental x-ray is a quick and easy process. You will have a lead apron played over your chest and an x-ray sensor is placed into your mouth. You will be instructed to bite down, and then you’re be all set!

Professional Cleaning

One of the biggest parts of your visit involves your dental hygienist cleaning your teeth. Even if you are a diligent brusher and flosser, there will still be areas in your mouth that you cannot reach. They will check your gumline, remove plaque and tartar with dental instruments, floss your teeth, and polish them to remove stubborn surface stains.

Checkup

Next, your dentist will step in and take a look at your teeth. They will check for signs of gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer. If there is something that has been bothering you in your mouth, this is a great time to bring it up. Your dentist will let you know about any finding or abnormalities so you can stay in the loop. If there are any issues, they will inform you about the next steps that will be taken.

Questions

Your dental visit is also a time for you to learn more about your teeth. It’s your smile after all! The dental team is happy to answer any questions your may have about oral health, treatments available, or your appointment.

It is a good idea to schedule your next visit before leaving the dental office. This way, you can stay on track towards a strong, healthy smile!

About the Author

Dr. Christopher Capehart earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, graduating Magna Cum Laude and in the top 10% of his class. He is currently a member of the American Dental Association and the Dallas Country Dental Society. If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, Dr. Capehart would be happy to help you get back on track. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (972) 436-1325.