Preparing for Your Dental Examination
It is helpful to have an idea of what to expect during your dental cleaning and examinations. This allows you to properly prepare mentally and physically before you go and calm any anxieties you may experience before your visit.
What to expect during your dental examination
Of course, every dental examination is unique as every dentist has their own process and treats each patient in a unique way. However, there are certain expectations you can have. The following is a review of what you can expect during your dental examination and how you can prepare at home.
The purpose of a dental examination
A dental examination is a dental visit that seeks to identify any oral health concerns or the early signs of a potential oral health concern. Most patients also receive a dental cleaning during the visit as well, which removes plaque and tartar buildup from the surface of teeth.
A dental examination is primarily a preventive measure, although the dentist may make additional treatment recommendations if certain oral health complications are detected. They are important as identifying issues in the early stages allows for more effective and often less invasive treatment. The visit also provides an opportunity for the dentist to educate the patient on good oral health practices to implement at home.
What takes place during a dental examination
As mentioned, the process for a dental examination varies depending on the dentist’s specific process and the specific needs of the patient. However, the visit may include the following:
Discussing oral health concerns
- An oral examination
- Dental X-rays
- A routine cleaning
- Educating the patient
- Additional treatment options
Patients do not require dental X-rays at every visit. If the patient has good oral health, then they will not need any additional dental treatments. The entire visit takes less than an hour in most cases and the patient can continue living their daily life normally after the visit as there is no recovery time needed.
How to prepare before the dental exam
Many patients are nervous before they visit the dentist, which is a condition known as dental anxiety. Patients can deal with this issue by learning more about what to expect during a dental examination. This helps address any misconceptions the patient may have. Also, scheduling the appointment at a convenient time can help patients avoid rushing to the appointment and making anxiety worse. Lastly, getting a good night of rest always helps prepare before a dental visit.
How to care for your oral health at home
Dental examinations are encouraged every four to six months. Between each visit, patients should care for their teeth at home through a consistent oral care routine that involves brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. Also, reducing foods and drinks high in sugar and other carbohydrates and drinking water throughout each day can help avoid oral health concerns.
Schedule a dental examination today
Contact us today if you are in need of a dental examination, which is encouraged every four to six months or if oral health concerns develop.
Request an appointment here: https://www.baydentalfl.com or call Bay Dental Associates: Aaron Moneyhan DMD, PA at (727) 823-2007 for an appointment in our St Petersburg office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental cleaning and examinations in St Petersburg, FL.
Recent Posts
A dental cleaning is an essential part of maintaining good oral health because it removes buildups of plaque and tartar. Additionally, they keep the teeth and gums appearing healthy and strong. Routine dental cleanings are typically done in a general dentistry setting because general dentists are the main point of contact for ensuring good dental…
Preventive dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on keeping your mouth healthy in order to save you money. It starts with you taking good care of your mouth at home by brushing at least two times per day, flossing daily, and avoiding things that can damage teeth. Preventive dentistry also includes procedures performed…
A preventative dentistry question people commonly have is, "what stains teeth the most?" We will look at some of the foods and beverages that are teeth staining to help you avoid these and keep a white smile longer. There are lots of different foods that can stain teeth. Some are well known and obvious. Blueberries, for…
General dentistry focuses on routine oral health care for patients of all ages. This includes oral maintenance such as cleanings and examinations, as well as general treatments and preventive care. Preventive care often gets overlooked as it relates to general dentistry, however, it plays a key role in oral health. Keep reading to learn more…