For many, a trip to the dentist can be a nerve-wracking prospect, our minds filled with all sorts of unpleasant thoughts and images — things that never actually happen! For those who haven’t visited the dentist in a while, or maybe even ever, an upcoming appointment can feel truly daunting and fill you with dread, but there’s plenty you can do to get on top of things.
In reality, a dentist is a trained professional with your best interests at heart — they’re here to heal, not harm. With that in mind, we realise that the unfamiliar is what causes stress, and knowing what to expect is half the battle in releasing some trepidation around an appointment. That’s why we’ve created a guide to help you do just that!
Before your appointment
Taking a few simple steps before your visit can help you feel prepared and ease any nerves that can arise from last-minute disorganisation:
- Fill out any paperwork in advance; this might include medical history or payment information for new patients. If you haven’t had this sent to your home, arrive 10-15 minutes early to give you time to complete it.
- Write down any questions you have ahead of time. In the moment, you may well forget what it was you wanted to know! The same goes for any symptoms you may have been experiencing, such as bleeding gums or sensitivity.
- Brush and floss directly before your visit, both out of politeness to the dental staff and to give them the best view of your mouth.
Once you’ve taken care of all of the above, you’re then ready to walk through the door of your local dental practice and get the help you need. Let’s break the appointment down into three core parts.
Part 1: The examination
Your dentist will examine your whole mouth, not just the teeth themselves. They’ll ask about your overall health, any recent issues, and your dental hygiene habits. They may provide an oral cancer screening as routine, involving an exam of your tongue, cheeks, neck, and throat.
It is standard procedure for them to check your teeth for cavities and to probe your gums to check their health. Small instruments are used for this, which may feel a little sharp but won’t cause pain and are perfectly safe.
On occasion, the dentist may recommend an X-ray to reveal issues such as cavities between teeth or bone loss. Your dentist should then discuss their findings and their thoughts on your oral health, and advise accordingly, whether that be an additional appointment for treatment, a new hygiene routine, or simply a return appointment in six months’ time.
Part 2: The procedures
Most procedures are booked in advance, but occasionally a dentist may offer to provide them then and there, if it is something that needs doing urgently or he has the time to do so right then. Common procedures include fillings for cavities, crowns for damaged teeth, extractions for teeth too damaged to be fixed, or bonding to fix chips or cracks.
You may see some strange-looking instruments in the practice, but they are specially made to do a particular job in the most efficient way. Frequently used instruments include a mirror and explorer for standard examinations, a dental handpiece to remove decay, a dental needle sourced from a specialist dental equipment supplier, and dental forceps for tooth extraction.
Part 3: Professional cleaning
If you have selected an appointment to include a hygienist, they will perform a thorough cleaning of your mouth to remove build-up that regular teeth brushing simply cannot reach or tackle.
A scaler may be used to scrape away plaque and hardened tartar from your teeth and gumline. Next, the hygienist may use a powerful electric brush to remove staining and smooth the tooth surface. They will then floss between your teeth and ask you to rinse out using a special mouthwash. You may be offered a fluoride treatment at the end of the appointment; this is optional, but it can help to protect the teeth at the back of the mouth.
After your visit
You may have some minor sensitivity around the teeth and gums, so you may wish to avoid eating or drinking hot foods or very cold snacks like ice cream for a few hours. Brush your teeth as usual before going to bed, perhaps a little gentler than you normally would to allow the gums to heal.
You could also add in a warm salt water rinse if your gums are still tender. In the following weeks or months, you may receive correspondence from your dental practice regarding follow-up or routine appointments, allowing you to stay on top of your oral health the smart way.