How Can I Make My Next Dental Checkup More Pleasant?

Seeing your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings is crucial to the preservation of your oral health. Even if you have the best at-home oral hygiene regimen in the world, there are areas of your mouth that cannot be cleaned and oral health problems that cannot be detected without professional dental supervision. While many people don’t look forward to their dental visits, there are measures you can take to make yours go by more smoothly and pleasantly. Here are a few tips to help ensure an enjoyable dental checkup.

Clean Your Teeth Beforehand

Giving your teeth a thorough brushing and flossing before your dentist’s appointment is a great way to start the process. This reduces how much time and effort the staff will have to spend cleaning them while making it easier to detect issues like tartar and cavities. It’s also best not to eat anything before your appointment to prevent new plaque and food debris from accumulating.

Arrive on Time

Punctuality is a courtesy, and arriving late for your appointment can throw off your dentist’s schedule. This makes it harder for them to give each patient the careful attention they deserve, which makes for a more stressful dental experience. It’s best to arrive at the office a few minutes early, as this allows you some time to breathe, read a book, or fill out any intake forms before your dentist is ready to see you.

Clearly Explain Any Issues

While your dentist is trained to detect oral health problems, it’s important to bring any issues you have noticed to their attention. This can help them make a proper diagnosis or address a problem they may have missed otherwise. It’s also important to accurately fill out your dental history form, as a detailed list of your past dental problems and treatments can help your dentist provide effective treatments.

Have Your Payment Method Ready Beforehand

Unexpected payment issues can be quite stressful. By confirming what your insurance covers and understanding what you will have to pay before you arrive at the office, you can help your dental visit go smoothly and quickly. Make sure you have your payment method and insurance card ready to go before you head to the dentist’s office.

Dental checkups don’t have to be stressful affairs. With a little courtesy and common sense, you can help your next dental visit be as pleasant as possible.

About the Author

Dr. Prachi D. Shah earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the New York University College of Dentistry and completed her general practice residency at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey. She is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Her office in Pantego, TX offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To book your next dental checkup, contact her office online or dial (817) 860-2222.