How to Prepare for Your Next Dental Checkup

Going for a dental checkup twice a year gives your dentist an opportunity to clean your teeth and evaluate your oral health. Some people look forward to going to the dentist, while many get goosebumps the moment the word "dentist" is mentioned.

What to know before a dental checkup

Here are a few things that will make things easier for you during your next dental visit:

1. Start a conversation about any anxiety

People who are never thrilled about having to go to the dentist should bring it up before their appointment. It is something dentists and their assistants deal with all the time, and they can make the patient's visit a lot more comfortable if they are aware of their phobias.

There are also a variety of sedatives that can be used to keep a patient relaxed during treatments. The dentist will evaluate the patient to determine if sedation is right for them.

2. Brush and floss before the appointment

Dentists appreciate it when patients prepare for their appointments by brushing and flossing. It reduces the amount of time spent cleaning your teeth before treatments are administered, and it also makes working on the patient more pleasant for the dentist and their assistants.

Instead of wasting time performing a task the patient could have done on their own, more time will be spent on treatments that benefit the patient like a cleaning or fluoride treatment.

3. Make payment arrangements

Patients should not be stressing about how payment will be made during their treatment. That should be figured before the appointment. Patients should contact the clinic prior to their appointment to find out find out if they will be covered by their insurance policy or have to pay out of pocket.

4. Show up on time

There are at least two good reasons to always show up on time at the dentist. For starters, it is common courtesy since a patient being late can lead to delays for others. Secondly, patients who are late for appointments are more likely to be anxious and frazzled during treatments.

Getting to the dentist's clinic ahead of time gives the patient a chance to relax and prepare for their checkup. It also gives them more time to fill out any required paperwork.

5. Address dental issues

Patients can discuss any dental issues they are having with the dentist during a checkup. The dentist will likely figure out these things on their own when they conduct an oral examination, but they do appreciate patients giving them as much information as possible. That might sometimes lead to them performing more diagnostic tests to evaluate the issue.

Patients can also talk to their dentist about any cosmetic treatments they are dealing with. At times, the dentist might be able to perform it during the same appointment or a second appointment might be set for the treatment.

Regular dental checkups lead to lower dental bills

Regular dental checkups are one of the most important things you can do to keep your teeth healthy and looking great. Due for a checkup? Set one up with a dental professional today.

Request an appointment here: https://www.qualitygentledentalcare.com or call Roman Khodosh DDS PC at (973) 542-7597 for an appointment in our East Orange office.

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