Refresh Your Memory with This Dental Visit Walkthrough

Have you been putting off your routine dental cleaning? It’s easy to feel nervous about these visits enough that you push them back for months or years. That said, if you have one coming up, you might not remember what to expect. A quick refresher can help you feel more confident about your appointment, so here’s a walkthrough to put you at ease.

Part 1: Walking Into the Office

When you enter the practice, you will get checked in by the front desk team. They will greet you with warm smiles and likely hand you some paperwork. These forms will have you lay out your medical and dental history. This information can help your dentist take better care of your teeth and gums by giving them a full picture.

If you have dental insurance, don’t forget to hand them your card. You might have a short wait until you’re taken back. Take some time to use the restroom or for a quick breather.

Part 2: X-Rays & Questions

You’ll be called back to your treatment room when it’s ready, but you will likely need X-rays done beforehand. Your hygienist will walk you through them, but you will wear a heavy lead vest and bite down on various plastic pieces. These images help show things that the naked eye can’t.

There will be a brief moment where you can ask questions or express concerns about your smile. Bring up things like inflammation, sensitivity, and bleeding when brushing and flossing. They help the team understand whether any issues have been occurring for a while.

Part 3: Getting Your Teeth Cleaned

After you have asked everything you wanted, your cleaning will then start. Your hygienist will use state-of-the-art instruments to gently remove plaque and hardened tartar. The advanced equipment is more effective and efficient compared to the past, so you might already have an easier time. That said, you may bleed or have slight discomfort. This is normal and doesn’t mean there’s a problem with your smile.

Part 4: Wrapping Up

When your smile is clean, your dentist will come by and look at your teeth, gums, tongue, inner cheek, and the other structures of your mouth. They will test for signs of dental problems like cavities and gum disease, to name a few.

If anything is worrying, your provider will walk you through next steps. You might get treatment that same visit, or you may have to come back in the near future. Regardless, they will come up with a plan to strengthen your oral health.

As they wrap up and you’re getting ready to head out, don’t forget to schedule your next checkup and cleaning. The more consistent you are with them, the easier they’ll be. That way, you keep your smile in great shape.

About the Practice

Are you due for your next routine visit? Our team at West Hartford Dental Group is dedicated to helping patients have a comfortable time during their preventive care by using state-of-the-art dental technology. Led by compassionate dentists, we strive to have a welcoming environment where you’re in charge of your oral health. If you have any worries, schedule an appointment or call our office at (860) 236-4249.