Are you between dentists or embarrassed about how long it’s been since your last dental checkup? Knowing what to expect may be the confidence booster needed for you to schedule that appointment. The first thing you can expect from a good dentist is listening. A good dentist will take the time to get to know you, listen to your concerns and discuss your medical history including any allergies, chronic diseases or recent illnesses. You will need to bring with you a list of any medications you are taking, and if you have dental insurance you will need to bring your insurance card with you, too. A routine dental visit will include a professional cleaning, an exam, and possibly X-rays.
X-Rays
If you haven’t seen a dentist for a while, your dentist may want to take X-rays, which takes only a few minutes. The most common type of dental X-ray is called a bitewing X-ray because you bite down on a little wing-shaped device while the X-ray is being taken. At Petersen Family Dentistry, we offer digital X-rays that enable us to detect decay far in advance, so we can stop cavities in their earliest stages. X-rays also help dentists to see the condition of your teeth and roots as well as any abnormal growths.
Oral Cancer Screening Exam
The dentist or hygienist will begin by visually inspecting the inside of your cheeks, the roof of your mouth and the back of your throat. Using gauze he or she will gently move your tongue from side to side to check for anything abnormal and to view the tongue’s underside. Next, using their hands, your dentist will feel along the underside of your jaw and neck checking for any spots, sores or lumps that might suggest cancer.
A Professional Cleaning
The good news is that cleanings are typically pain-free! The hygienist will begin your cleaning by using a very small tool called a scaler to remove any built-up tartar. Rest assured that a great dentist or hygienist will be gentle throughout this process. Even if you have been diligently brushing and flossing, plaque can still build up over time especially in hard to reach areas, which will eventually harden into tartar. If it has been quite a while since you have visited the dentist, this appointment may take a bit longer than subsequent visits. The hygienist will then floss your teeth, use a polishing compound and apply fluoride.
The last thing you need to do is schedule your next checkup for 6 months down the road. This will help you stay committed to good oral health.
