On your first visit, your dentist or their assistant will take a full health history. Regarding follow-up visits, if your health status has changed, it is important to make sure to tell your dentist. Allow enough time to arrive early for your first appointment as you will be filling out a health questionnaire as you would at a first visit at any other health care provider. Also, if you have dental insurance, you should let the office know when you make the appointment, and be sure to bring your insurance card with you to your first visit.
Here’s what you can expect during most trips to the dentist.
A Thorough Cleaning – usually a dental hygienist or on occasion the dentist will scrape along and below the gum line to remove built-up plaque and tartar that can cause gum disease, cavities, bad breath and other problems. Then he or she will polish and floss your teeth. This step is critical to keep up as your first line of defense and prevent more serious problems with your oral health in the future. Cleanings are recommended at a minimum of twice a year, although your dentist might make different recommendations depending upon your individual circumstances.
A Full Dental Examination – dental visits are about much more than having a bright winning smile. Your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums and mouth, including your tongue to look for signs of disease or other problems. This examination is vital to more than your oral health. Most people do not understand but good dental hygiene is every bit as important as regular check-ups by your medical doctor to your overall health. His or her goal is to help maintain your best oral health and to prevent problems from becoming serious, by identifying and treating them as soon as possible.
X-Rays – X-rays can diagnose problems otherwise unnoticed, such as damage to jawbones, impacted teeth, abscesses, cysts or tumors, and decay between the teeth. The dentist’s staff will explain to you the difference and frequency of the distinct X-rays that you will be having, what they show, and why you’ll need them.
Future Dental Work and Plan - your dental team will discuss the comprehensive dental treatment plan the dentist developed specifically for you. While your dentist will provide the expert guidance you deserve, your questions are always welcome and you always have the final say in your treatment.
Your treatment plan is designed to prevent small issues from getting bigger and more expensive, so it will address the problems that are bothering you now and may also identify others that you aren’t even aware of that could impact your long-term oral health or physical well-being.
After you’ve talked with your dentist, someone on the dental team will answer any questions or concerns you might have, including the payment options available and how your dental insurance works. After your first dental visit, you will receive a copy of your dental treatment plan, which includes the price quote for your recommended treatments.
As always your comfort and satisfaction are important from the get-go—and that starts with your first visit, at St. Petersburg’s Park Street Dental. Dr. Garcia and his team are committed to your best oral health as well as a relaxing experience and the confidence that you are their #1 concern!