What to Expect in Your First Dental Visit - Local Dentists 101

When was the last time you visited your dentist? You probably have lost count of the years if it has been quite a while. Perhaps you are even hesitating to step into your dentist’s clinic. However, if you are in pain, it is probably a big reason to visit your dentist after a long time.

Don’t worry about what you think your dentist would think when they see your mouth. There shall be no shame and scolding, and your dentist will most likely be a professional and welcome you back. After all, it is a positive decision to have your oral health checked. What matters is you came back and ready to take care of your teeth even more.

Instead of shame, here are the things that you can expect in your first dental visit after a long time:

1. You will undergo an overall assessment

Since it has been a while since you last came in for professional dental care, your mouth probably has been through a lot. Your dentist will conduct an overall assessment to see the status of your oral health. The assessment will include answering a questionnaire to update your records, a thorough examination of your mouth and teeth, and a dental x-ray.

Once the assessment has been concluded, your dentist will walk you through the issues they found and the available treatment options. The issues will be arranged based on priorities or your personal preferences, and you may come back for several more appointments. In some cases, you may need to undergo same-day urgent care and return for a follow-up checkup.

2. Urgent care

One of the urgent care you may need is deep dental cleaning. Since it has been a while since you last visited the dentist, you probably have a buildup of tartar in your mouth. Expect the procedure to be a little uncomfortable. If your gums are sensitive, you may ask your dentist for a pain reliever or numbing gel.

3. General checkups

Aside from updating your records and examining your mouth and teeth, your dentist can also perform a general checkup. This will include a couple of X-rays to assess the status of your teeth, gums, and jaws. Your dental care provider will then discuss further treatment if there’s any needed, and give you advice on how to improve your home dental care and hygiene.