Regular dental care is important to your oral health and overall wellness. Going to the dentist every 6 months to have your teeth cleaned and examined can prevent a myriad of problems from cavities to gum disease.
If it's been a while since your last dental visit, or if you’ve never been to the dentist for a regular appointment, you may feel anxious about going. This guide to your first dental appointment will outline every part of a typical dental visit so you’ll know what to expect.
Preparing for Your First Dental Appointment
Taking the time to prepare for your appointment can take a lot of the stress out of the equation. Follow these tips to ensure your visit goes smoothly:
- Bring your insurance card with you if you have dental insurance.
- Gather your complete medical history to provide background into your overall health.
- Bring a list of all medications you are currently taking.
- Take steps to reduce any anxiety you may feel based on what you know works well for you.
What to Expect During Your First Visit
A typical first dental visit will include the following steps:
- Paperwork and health history review. Your paperwork and medical background will be reviewed and additional questions may be asked. You will have the opportunity to disclose any dental issues you’ve been experiencing.
- Comprehensive oral evaluation. A thorough examination of your teeth and mouth will be conducted, looking for any problems that may need to be addressed. This includes an oral cancer screening.
- Teeth cleaning. Your teeth will be cleaned and flossed to remove plaque and tartar, then polished until smooth.
- X-rays. Digital X-ray images will be made of your teeth and jaw to detect any concerns that may be under the gums or between the teeth.
- Treatment scheduling. If any additional treatments are needed they will be scheduled according to the urgency of the situation.
Choosing the Right Dentist for Your First Visit
If this is your first visit to the dentist or if you’re looking for a new dentist, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. Look for the following criteria:
- Qualifications. Check the qualifications of any dentist you are considering to ensure they have the necessary training and certification to provide dental care.
- Compassion. Look for a dentist who is compassionate and helps you feel at ease, especially if you experience dental anxiety.
- Experience. Find out how many years of experience the dentist has. An experienced dentist can provide an advanced level of care that incorporates best practices.
- Reviews. Read online reviews of the dental practice to find out what others are saying about their experience and if they would recommend this dentist.
Why Choose Dentistry With a Smile?
When it comes to the above criteria, Dentistry With a Smile checks every box and more. Dr. Maria Sebastian and her highly qualified team provide compassionate care in a comfortable and relaxing environment. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Sebastian is qualified to treat patients of all ages through a wide variety of services. Her reputation in the community has earned her the distinction of being one of America’s Top Dentists as well as New Jersey’s Top Dentists for numerous consecutive years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Your First Dental Visit
Will I need anesthesia for my first dental visit?
Routine dental visits do not typically entail any procedures that would require anesthesia. If you need restorative treatment, it will be scheduled for a future date.
How long will the first visit take?
We recommend allowing at least an hour for your first dental visit. There is a lot to cover to establish a thorough medical and dental history for a new patient.
Dentistry with a Smile provides family dental services for patients of all ages in Livingston, NJ and the surrounding communities. We are currently accepting new patients and look forward to meeting you and earning the right to be called your dental home. Contact us today to learn more about our practice and schedule your first visit.