What to Expect if You Haven’t Been to the Dentist in a While
Posted on September 26, 2016
Don’t worry, at some point most of us have gone maybe a little too long between our dental visits. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about, and it definitely shouldn’t prevent you from scheduling an appointment. If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, here are a few things that you can expect.
How Can I Prepare for my First Appointment?
You may feel a little stressed about your first appointment. Don’t be. We see a lot of patients who haven’t been to a dentist in years, sometimes even decades! However, since it is your first appointment in a while, we may need you to come in a little earlier than usual to fill out some important paperwork. So the first thing you can do is to just prepare to come in about fifteen minutes early so you can fill out your medical and dental history, that way we can get to know you first. If you have insurance, don’t forget to bring your insurance card!
Also, since your appointment may last a little longer, it isn’t always wise to try to schedule an important meeting or activity right after your dental appointment.
What Will The Cleaning Be Like?
If it’s been a while since you’ve been to the dentist, then plaque has probably had a good opportunity to build up and stick to your teeth and maybe even a little bit beneath your gum line. Since there may be more plaque or tartar than normal, this very first cleaning may be slightly more uncomfortable than your usual cleaning. This is to be expected, but our gentle team will do everything possible to make you comfortable. If you have dental anxiety, please let us know when you schedule your appointment so we can plan appropriately. We have sedation options, such as oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide, to keep you relaxed and comfortable if you have severe dental fear or anxiety.
What Do We Do Moving Forward?
We hope that after your first appointment and cleaning, you’ll see that going to the dentist is not scary as you may have built it up to be in your mind. We want to keep you on track with your cleanings and check-ups, so make sure to discuss your next six month (or sooner) cleaning with our staff before you leave. We can’t wait to provide you with a positive and fulfilling dental experience to keep you coming back for years to come! Contact us online or call our friendly team!