Has it been a while since the last time you visited your dentist? You might not have gone because of financial reasons, or maybe you have anxiety about settling into that big chair. It could even be that your teeth have never bothered you, so you thought there was no reason to see a professional. Now, however, you’re starting to get serious about your oral health, which means it is time to visit your dentist in Gahanna for a routine checkup. What can you expect during your appointment?
Meet and Greet
When you step into the office, the first thing you’ll do is check in with the receptionist. If this is your initial visit to a particular dentist, you may need to fill out some paperwork. Your dentist will want to know all about your history and any medical conditions you have, and it’s also important that you provide insurance information if you have dental coverage.
When it’s time to head into the exam room, you’ll meet your dental hygienist. The hygienist is the person who will clean your teeth and ask you further questions about your dental history. Be sure to talk about any oral healthcare concerns you have. You might also talk to a dental assistant; these people are the ones who help dentists with routine procedures.
Cleaning
During the cleaning, the hygienist will remove any plaque and tartar that has built up on your teeth. This is important because you might miss spots while you’re brushing. Also, tartar is impossible to remove with a regular toothbrush.
The next stage of cleaning is a thorough flossing, after which the hygienist will polish your teeth. The polishing process uses a slightly abrasive paste that makes your teeth smoother so they’ll be more difficult for plaque to cling to.
The Exam
After your cleaning, your hygienist will inspect your teeth. With the help of a little mirror, they’ll perform a visual exam and check for problems with your gums, teeth, or tongue.
You might be asked to have a dental x-ray taken. Don’t worry. X-rays use a minimal amount of radiation, so they’re a safe and effective way for your dental care provider to check out what is going on with your teeth underneath your gum line. After the x-ray, your dentist will come in and perform a more thorough examination that will highlight any signs of infection, tooth decay, misalignment, oral cancer, or other oral health conditions.
Depending on what your dentist finds, you might have to chat about your future treatment options.
A routine dental checkup is a painless process that will help to make sure your teeth stay in great shape! Head to your dentist in Gahanna twice a year so those pearly whites can keep shining.
About the Practice
At Claybrooke Dental of Gahanna, our passion and experience allow us to help patients have beautiful, healthy smiles. If you have any questions about oral healthcare, feel free to contact our office through our website or by phone at (614) 475-1874.