You know how sometimes the longer you put something off, the harder it gets to just do it? Whether it’s cutting the lawn, checking your bank balance, or finally getting your dental exam and cleaning, the lengthier the wait, the more anxious you’ll likely get. The good news is that when it comes to seeing the dentist, there’s no need to be afraid. Here’s a closer look at what might occur during your appointment, and why when it comes to your oral health checkups, there’s nothing to fear but fear itself!
Arrival & Check-in
Prior to your visit, your dental team may have sent you some paperwork to fill out, either online or in person. If you haven’t already done this, be sure to allow some extra time before your scheduled appointment (usually about 30 minutes) to complete it. If you have, you should still aim to arrive about 15 minutes early. When you get there, check in at the front desk. Then, you’ll either be invited to wait in the waiting room until your exam room is ready, or they may take you back immediately so you can get comfortable.
Professional Cleaning
After you’ve gotten settled, your dental team will prepare you for teeth for their exam by cleaning them with a scaler. If it’s been a long time since your last visit, this could take longer than usual. While in most cases it should only last about 15 minutes, teeth with more buildup could take 30 minutes or more to get clean. In some cases, you may need to schedule a return appointment for a deeper cleaning or scaling and root planing if there is gum disease present.
X-Rays
Once your teeth are sparkly, your dentist will likely request some X-rays to check for decay and damage not visible to the naked eye. This step may also be performed before your cleaning, depending on the availability of the equipment and your dental hygienist’s preference.
Oral Cancer Screening
Your dental exam includes an oral cancer screening. It is completely painless and could even save your life. In fact, of the 54,000 new cases of oral cancer diagnosed annually, nearly 80 percent of them are discovered during routine oral cancer screenings during dental checkups!
Comprehensive Oral Exam
The final step in your checkup is the dental exam itself. This is when your dentist evaluates the condition of your teeth, gums, and jaw, looking for anything abnormal that may or may not be noticeable on your X-rays. If everything looks healthy, you’ll be escorted to the front desk where you can schedule your next preventive exam for six months out. If you require any restorations, your team can schedule those at this time, too.
Remember, while it’s certainly understandable that you’d be a little anxious to return to the dentist after a long absence, the good news is that your dental team wants what’s best for you and isn’t here to judge. So, don’t let fear of the unknown hold you back from taking charge of your smile! Book your dental exam and cleaning today and get back in the routine of having a healthy, happy mouth!
About Our Practice
At Distinctive Dentistry, we understand the importance of a healthy mouth. That’s why we’re so proud to offer preventive dental exams and cleanings along with all the other incredible treatments we provide. If it’s been a while since your last visit, don’t let anxiety or fear keep you away. Visit our website or call us today at 770-445-6606 to book your checkup and cleaning and enjoy a healthier, happier smile!
