A Visit to the Dentist: What Really Happens?
Maybe you have never been to the dentist, or maybe it has been so long you are not sure what to expect when you go. Whatever the case is, we can help you out with that. We know it is a scary feeling when you do not know what is going to happen. Especially with all of the horror stories you have heard! You may be thinking you are better off not going at all. That is a big mistake!
We will give you the inside scoop on what happens from the minute you walk through the door and you will see that it is not as scary as you thought.
Walking In: Meeting the Receptionist
When you first get there, you will see the receptionist, who is the friendly person at the front who will take your name and insurance information and tell you how long it will be. They will tell you to have a seat, but if you have any questions, you can ask them. They usually can answer your questions because they are the hub of the whole office.
Now You Will Meet Your Hygienist or Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)
The dental hygienist or CDA will be the person you see the most when you visit the office. The hygienist takes care of the tooth cleaning and assisting the dentist with some procedures. The CDA does the preparation work and assists the dentist with procedures.
Tell Them Your Story
The hygienist will ask you for your medical and dental history, including any medications you are on, if you have any medical conditions (i.e. diabetes, pregnancy), and if you have ever seen a dentist. You will have plenty of time to talk about any of your concerns because the hygienist knows all about those who fear the dentist and how to make your feel at ease.
Cleaning Your Teeth
The hygienist will then clean your teeth by removing all the plaque and tartar on and below the gums. They will then floss between each tooth to remove any remaining food or plaque. Once that is done, they will polish your teeth to get rid of any residue and to make your teeth smooth so plaque has a harder time clinging to them.
Getting Your Teeth Examined
The next step is to look inside your mouth and see if there are any problems to be dealt with, such as redness or swelling of the gums. They will also check for sores and measure the space between the gum line and where the gums attach to the tooth. This is called your periodontal pockets, and if they are deeper than three millimeters, it is a sign of periodontal disease.
Seeing inside: Getting Your X-rays
The hygienist will also get x-rays of your mouth to check for problems under the surface of the mouth. You will just need to bite down on a piece of plastic while a machine takes pictures. It does not hurt and this is essential to the examination of your teeth.
Let’s Meet Your Dentist
Now you will finally meet your dentist, who will also look at your teeth after he or she has examined your x-rays. Some of the things they check for are bone loss, alignment of the jaw, and signs of tooth grinding. They look for cracks or breakages in the jaw bones and clicking when your open your mouth. None of these procedures hurt and it takes less than an hour for the entire examination.
Get the Facts
Once the dentist is finished the examination, they will tell you what they think is going on and if you need any work done. To be honest, almost everyone who goes to the dentist can use some kind of work, but your dentist will be able to tell you what is essential and what you can actually do yourself at home. They may suggest another appointment for treatment right away, or tell you that you do not have to come back until next year.
Making Plans to Come Back
When you are done, you need to see the receptionist to schedule your next appointment, whether it is in one week or one year! Yes, some people are lucky enough to not need any treatment at all. However, that is rare, especially if this is your first visit to the dentist. Regardless of when you need to come back, be sure to follow your dentist’s recommendations about brushing and flossing and how to care for your teeth. You only get two sets of teeth and you already used your first set, so take care of what you have left.