Everyone who has been to the dentist knows how the first visit can be quite filled with anxiety. It is exactly the same stress that an adult who has not visited a dental office for a very long time will experience and a child visiting a dental office for the first time. The fact of the matter is that a smooth visit to the dentist begins long before the patient takes the position on the dentist’s chair and that is through planning and knowing what will take place. In this guide preparing before your appointment, what happens when you have the appointment and what happens thereafter will all be covered.
Why is Your First Dental Visit Important?
This is the reason as to why your first visit to the dentist is very important, for it is then that the first stage of proper oral hygiene is embraced. It facilitates the dental surgeon to assess how the patients are complying with the dental policies that are in existence at that time and thus help in the raising of some issues to avoid and the correct procedures to address them.
Furthermore, it is very important to establish rapport and supportive relationships at this time so that the concerns regarding the next visit could be raised and the queries answered.
Pre-Appointment preparation
Collect all Necessary Information
You need certain documents and information so as to be able to execute the appointment. Take them with you:
Medical History: Personally, I always carry whenever possible all the drugs in use and an extensive report of all past illnesses and medical treatments. This helps the doctor in determining if there are other factors that may affect his provisions of dental services.
Dental History: Previous x -rays taken, dental records or any performed procedures are usually included in them; it is important to carry these documents as well. This will enable the new dentist to appreciate the health condition of your mouth very well.
Schedule Wisely
When choosing when to be given an appointment, choose a time when there is the least or no rush to even hurry or be tensed up. For little kids, it is best to catch them when they should be sleeping or are happy such as after the cigarette break.
Feeling Prepared
In case of feeling tense, deep breath or in case of a deep breath try to calm down by adopting some relaxation or meditation techniques. Also, understand that being anxious is natural and that you are not alone in experiencing it, and the dentist and his premises will do whatever possible to ensure that your pleasant level is maximally reached.
What to Expect During Your Visit?
The Primary Evaluation
Most of the time soon after the first appointment, there is a follow up evaluative assessment. This involves stating your medical and dental history. Don ‘t miss angrily even an inch of an inch in mouth or with caution. Every detail you give assists your dentist in customizing the treatment closer to you.
Oral Examination
You will be having a talkative oral examination which your dental surgeon refers to putting a gaze over your mouth with gargles, teeth, gums, straw and tongue. They may use some instruments to measure how deep the grooves in the gum are or to detect cavities, for instance.
X-Rays
X-rays are one of the procedures that are done most of the time during the first visit at the dentist. This type of images is done to help identify some underlying issues that may not be easily seen like collapsing of collagen or a deficiency in vitamins.
Cleaning
Most often at the first dental appointment we offer hygienists scale & polish the patients’ teeth. The process includes the following:
Scaling: This stage carries out the procedure of removing the tartar and plaque deposited on the teeth, and any moderate pockets sitting at the sub gingival zones.
Polishing: The stain that remains on the teeth after all the cleaning procedures is performed, is removed by a rotating rubber cup with a fine prominence filled with pumice.
Flossing: Last thing, waxed dental floss will be employed in order to eliminate all particles still located in between the teeth bordering.
The Aims of the Treatment
The dentist will then take some time to explain any findings to you after performing the examination and cleaning. If there are priorities that need attention, then they will please summarize how the particular treatment planning and other concerned procedures will go. A plan will be made for treatment which you will agree to take into consideration the time which is suitable for you.
Post-Appointment procedure
Let’s Get Going Take-Home Instructions
If some treatments were advised, make sure to schedule the follow up appointments while you are still in the office. Following through with these appointments is important for the health of your mouth.
Oral Hygiene After Care
You can expect that your dentist will give you advice on how to maintain your dental status as you wait for the next visit. This may involve the use of toothpaste, brushing methods and the likes.
Overcoming Distress
If your first visit was unpleasant, you may want to let your dentist know. They may provide solutions such as … for your next appointments making you feel more at ease.
Indeed, a first dental visit can cause anxious feelings in both children and adult patients. There is however no need for fear; because a proper understanding of the situation and a little planning is all that is needed to make the experience a simple one. The staff at Dr. Monica Gobran & Associates strives to provide services in a comfortable environment without compromising on the quality of the dental services provided. No matter if you are in need of basic dental work, aesthetic services or reconstruction, we are happy to help you to obtain your wonderful and healthy smile.
Do not hesitate to reach that level because the next divisive phase is waiting for you! To make your first appointment, please access drgobran.com or contact us on 508-753-3200. We are excited to meet you and help you achieve your oral health goals.
