What to Expect During Your Appointment

Nervous about your upcoming dental appointment? You don’t need to be! Our local dentists and hygienists want to help you maintain a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime. According to MedlinePlus, most dentists recommend having your teeth professionally cleaned approximately every six months for optimal dental health. Patients with certain gum conditions can benefit from seeing their dentist every three to four months. Knowing what to expect during your appointment can help lessen any stress or anxiety you may be feeling about your upcoming trip to the dentist.

What Happens During a Routine Dental Visit?

Whether this is the first time you’re visiting a dentist or have not been to the dentist in years, you may be wondering what to expect. First, it’s important to schedule your appointment for a time that is most convenient for you. Some patients prefer to visit their dentist first thing in the morning when they are most alert, while others prefer an appointment for later in the day when they are finished with work and other activities.

1. Medical History & Insurance Paperwork

Once you arrive at the Clermont dental office, you may be asked to complete a medical history and insurance paperwork. You’ll likely be asked about any medical conditions you have, any medications you are currently taking, and any concerns you may have about your dental health.

2. Oral Health Exam

With this information in mind, your dentist or hygienist will perform a visual examination of your teeth, gums, jaw, and supporting structures. Routine dental exams are used to check for a wide range of problems, such as redness, swelling, or sores. Your dentist will also look for signs of decay and gum disease.

3. Dental X-rays

During a routine examination, your dentist in Clermont may take dental X-rays with equipment that uses innovative digital panoramic and digital x-ray sensors. This state-of-the-art technology allows dentists to get a clear look at your teeth while drastically reducing the amount of radiation that you are exposed to.

4. Professional Cleaning

While patients understand that they are supposed to brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss daily, there is no substitute for a professional dental cleaning. During a routine cleaning, your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup that often forms on the teeth and under the gum.

Your dentist may also use ultrasonic cleaning equipment to achieve a deeper clean. After scraping away the plaque and tartar, your dentist will polish your teeth and recommend proper brushing and flossing techniques that can help you better maintain your oral health.

5. Oral Cancer Screening

Your dentist in Clermont FL may also recommend an oral cancer screening during your routine dental exam. Oral cancer can be a life-threatening condition but your odds of survival increase significantly when the condition is discovered early. Today, dentists are trained to detect the early signs of oral cancer.

6. Oral Health Education & Recommendations

Regardless of age, everyone can benefit from ongoing oral health education. During your dental appointment, do not hesitate to ask your dentist or hygienist any questions you may have about your oral health. Your dentist may also provide you with information or recommendations on products to use at home or techniques to try to better care for your teeth and gums.

7. Follow-Up Care

It’s normal to experience mild soreness or sensitivity after a dental cleaning, especially if you haven’t seen a dentist in over a year. It’s important to visit your Clermont family dentistry office on a regular basis to prevent an accumulation of tartar and to reduce your odds of developing tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral health conditions.

If a problem is identified during your appointment, your dentist will recommend a treatment plan. This may require you to return to the dentist sooner than your next routine appointment. Tooth decay requires prompt treatment to prevent the cavity from getting larger or spreading to other teeth.

Schedule Your Appointment with Hancock Village Dental

Hancock Village Dental is a family-owned and operated dental practice located in Clermont FL. To learn more or to request an appointment, send us a message online or call 352.989.5815.