If you struggle with a fear of the dentist, a little prep work can help alleviate your anxiety. Getting together all your insurance information, medical information, and medication lists is very helpful for that first appointment. By keeping all this vital information together, you can just grab it before heading out for your appointment.
You may need x-rays during your visit. These allow us to detect any issues that can go unnoticed without such technology. Dental x-rays are very safe, and they emit less radiation than talking on your cell phone or flying on an airplane. During the x-ray process, you will be asked to wear a lead apron for additional protection. Thes apron will be used before, during, and after the radiographs. Before starting the x-ray process, the dental staff will cover all tools used to take the radiographs before using them. All of our convenient office locations have digital x-rays, which allows you to see everything right away!
Next, the hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth. They will work with different tools to scrape below the gum line to clean out plaque and tartar; these can lead to bad breath, gingivitis, cavities, and other oral health issues. During this cleaning, your teeth will be polished as well to ensure a pearly white smile.
After your cleaning, the dentist will come in for a thorough examination of your mouth. They will be looking for any signs of disease or cavities. The point of this final check is to catch any oral health issues before they become serious. After your appointment is over, the dentist will go over all the treatment that is necessary and schedule those appointments with the receptionist. We will also schedule your next cleaning to make sure you stay on track for a healthy, happy mouth!