What to Expect during Your First Visit to a Dentist

Your first appointment with a new dentist is a time for you and the staff get to know each other, to learn more about your oral health needs and how to care for them. It’s also the time to discuss financial matters, such as dental coverage or payment arrangements. At the end, you’ll leave the office feeling good about yourself for taking an important step toward your long-term well-being.

What to Expect During the Initial Oral Exam

The oral exam is the foundation of a routine dental visit. Its purpose is to uncover not only cavities but other potential threats to your health, such as signs of skin or mouth cancer. Your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, tongue, palate, lips, face, and throat. Many dentists now use digital imaging or cavity detection tools to detect problems that eyesight alone may miss.

Your dentist will also check the alignment of your upper and lower jaw and may ask if you experience pain or soreness when opening or closing your mouth. People of any age can suffer from dental misalignment issues. Modern dentistry offers low-profile alternatives to traditional braces for many patients. Remember to mention any concerns you have about your oral health during this stage of the appointment.

What to Expect during a Routine Teeth Cleaning

The second stage of a routine dental visit is the teeth cleaning procedure. This plays an important supplementary role to self-care steps such as daily brushing and flossing. Over time plaque and tartar build up on the teeth, requiring professional care to remove.

If your teeth are especially stained, or if your dentist suspects the presence of gum disease, that he or she may perform a procedure known as a scaling and root planing or a “dental deep cleaning.” It removes plaque both beneath and above the gum line. Your dentist may prescribe a special mouthwash to use as a follow-up step. It’s important to follow the doctor’s recommendations precisely.

Tending to Business Matters

It’s no secret that professional dental care costs money. Fortunately, patients have a number of options for dealing with this aspect of the appointment. Besides traditional dental insurance, the office manager can tell you about private financing or pay-as-you-go plans. The staff will do everything possible to make regular dental care an affordable part of your life.

What to Look for in a Dentist

Just as every patient is unique, so is every dental practice. What works well for one patient may be inappropriate for another. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a dentist:

• Do you feel comfortable around the staff? A good practice will go out of its way to make you feel welcome and at ease.
• Does the practice offer the services you need? A large family with school-age children has different priorities than a young couple or a single person living alone.
• Is the office conveniently located? This is especially important in urban areas, where parking or public transportation may be at a premium. One way to find a nearby practice is to ask Siri® or a similar service, “where can I find a dentist near me?”

All of us are fortunate to live in an age when quality dental care is widely available. Use the tips in this post to choose the right dentist for your needs. In days to come you’ll look upon your decision with plenty of reason to smile.

About the Author

Dr. Ukti Phadnis is known for both her professional skill and the caring, compassionate way she approaches her profession. She and her staff strive to make new patients feel welcome. You can reach her office online or by calling (860) 400-3007.