Appointment a New Dentist in Edmonton
If you are reading this article right now, my guess is that you have already gone through the time-consuming process of looking for a good dentist/orthodontist whom you feel comfortable with and are now bracing yourself for your first visit. Congratulations, the hard part is over. Truth be told, the thought of visiting a dentist for most people can be a nerve wracking experience. However, knowing what to expect on your first visit can alleviate the anxiety and fears you have plus allow you to schedule your time accordingly.
Below we scratch the surface on what you should expect on your first dental clinic appointment from the start to the finish.
- Meeting the Receptionist
The first person you are bound to meet when you walk into the dental clinic will probably be the receptionist. Most receptionists are warm and welcoming; they make things flow smoothly around the dentist’s office, from scheduling appointments, to giving you notifications for your next visit and making payments.
The receptionist will ask you to fill in some paperwork to help the team get to know you better. At this point, you can ask the receptionist any questions regarding your treatment and payment.
- Meeting Your Hygienist or Dentist
The next person you’ll meet and typically the one you’ll spend the most time with will be your certified dental hygienist. Once your name is called to see the dentist, you will probably be directed into the dentist’s office. During your first visit, most time will be spent on the evaluation of your oral health. Expect an inspection of your gums, mouth, and teeth, as well as a series of questions on your oral health. The goal here is to spot any abnormalities, diseases or any other problems and treat them as soon as possible.
- Counting Your Teeth and Fillings
If it is your first dental checkup, your dentist will probably count your teeth and note any filings you may have had done in the past. Additionally, a dental instrument will be used to measure the spaces between your gums and teeth as well as check your jaw and bite for any possible problems. This evaluation of your oral health will form a part of your dental history that will determine all the dental procedures you’ll need done. A good dentist will involve you throughout the procedure, have you sitting comfortably and feeling at ease. Furthermore, he or she will provide you with oral tips on how to better take care of your teeth and mouth.
- Taking X-rays
If your orthodontist sees it necessary, he or she may want to take X-rays of your teeth in the dental clinic. But don’t fret, X-rays are painless and only take a few minutes to complete. X-rays are used to check for oral infections, oral tumors, cavities as well as monitoring gum diseases. As such, they are a critical part of your dental care program.
- Scheduling Your Next Appointment
Once the initial dental exam is completed, you and your dental hygienist will discuss your treatment options and plan them accordingly. If any treatment can be done on the same day, such as teeth whitening, the procedure can be carried out. The receptionist will then schedule a follow-up appointment.
Conclusion
As you can see, your first dental appointment is really nothing to worry about. We hope that this information will go a long way in easing your fears and you are now in the know of what to expect.