If you haven’t seen the dentist in a while, you’re not alone. Nearly one in five American adults deal with some form of dental anxiety, and this can cause someone to put off seeing the dentist for months or years. Some people say that they’ll only go to the dentist when they are in pain, but by the time a patient is experiencing pain, the oral health problem behind it may have caused extensive or even irreparable damage. Here’s what you can expect if you’re returning to the dentist after some time away.
You Can Expect a Thorough Oral Exam
When you’re back in the chair, your dentist will begin with a thorough examination of your mouth. Your teeth, cheeks, lips, and gums will be inspected for issues like infections, cavities, gum disease, and bite-related problems. Because of these exams, dentists are sometimes among the first to detect major health issues like diabetes, oral cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Your dentist may take a new set of X-rays. X-rays provide dentists with more information than they can get from the naked eye. These special images can provide them with a close-up view of cavities, details about the roots of your teeth, and a plethora of other important data.
You Can Expect to Receive a Professional Teeth-Cleaning
During a dental cleaning, a hygienist will use special tools to remove plaque, tartar, and food debris from your teeth. This will be followed by a careful polishing using an electric toothbrush and a thorough flossing. Afterward, you’ll probably receive advice on how to improve your oral hygiene routine at home. This is a critically important part of the process because while regular dental appointments allow oral health issues to be caught and treated in their early stages, excellent oral hygiene at home is the best way to prevent these issues from developing in the first place.
If you’re worried that your dentist will judge you or talk down to you about the state of your teeth, you should remember that most dental health service providers are quite aware of how life can get in the way of proper oral care. It is an admirable thing to return to the dentist despite feeling anxiety about it, and showing up to your next appointment is the first step to better dental health in the future.
About the Author
Dr. James A. Moreau Jr. earned his dental doctorate at the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry. He is proud to be a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Covington, LA offers general, pediatric, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To schedule an appointment, contact the office online or dial (985) 809-7645.