Visiting the dentist can be a daunting experience, but it's important to understand what to expect during a dental treatment appointment. You can anticipate a comprehensive exam of your teeth, jaws, bite, gums, and oral tissues to assess growth and development. If necessary, gentle cleaning may be done, followed by polishing the teeth and removing plaque, tartar and stains. The dentist may also provide a brief tutorial on how to properly use dental floss and fluoride.
Appointments and visits from new patients after more than a couple of years usually require x-rays. The dentist wants to have a full view of what is happening inside the teeth, gums and supporting bone structures. Your dentist will want to know what you hope to achieve with your dental treatment. Are you looking for better oral health? Are you hoping to improve your appearance through teeth straightening, whitening, or other cosmetic dentistry? It's best to be as honest as possible with your dentist so that both of you can agree and work towards the same goals. X-rays may then be taken to detect any existing oral health problems. This procedure can help identify conditions such as bone loss, gum disease, tumors, and tooth decay.
The patient will need to wear a lead apron during the X-ray to reduce exposure to radiation. Afterwards, they can undergo a full dental exam to gather more details about their oral health. The evaluation often involves inspecting the teeth and gums to identify signs of potential problems. Based on the results of your exam and x-rays, as well as your dental goals, your dentist will formulate a treatment plan. It's important for your dentist to establish a baseline for your current dental health so that you can make decisions about subsequent treatment.
Some of these objectives may include aesthetic improvements, such as dental adhesion and the evaluation of dental implants. It's important to understand the difference between a dental checkup and a dental exam. A hygienist is typically responsible for the dental checkup while a dentist is responsible for the dental exam. The cost of a dental checkup depends on your dental plan and the amount of work that will be done during your visit.
