Dental appointments are an important part of your oral hygiene routine. It’s important to see the dentist twice annually for teeth cleaning and examination. If your first dental appointment with Weninger Dentistry is coming up soon, knowing what to expect can help make it a low-stress, pleasant experience.
The professionals at Weninger Dentistry are committed to helping our patients take good care of their teeth. Here’s what to expect the first time you visit the dentist at Weninger.
Prior to Appointment
Pick the appointment time that works best with your schedule. It’s helpful to make your appointment for a day and time when you won’t be rushed to get out of the dental office. A typical appointment is anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes long. If you’re getting sedation dentistry, you can expect your appointment to be longer than if you aren’t.
Have your insurance information ready when you’re making your first appointment, or know how you’ll be paying and have your payment information ready. Be prepared to pay a copay if you have insurance. If you have no insurance, find out how much you can expect to pay before you go.
Routine Protocol
During a typical visit to the dentist, you’ll start with a quick visit with the dental hygienist. They’ll ask you questions about medications and your medical history. Let them know if you’re pregnant, have recently undergone any surgery, or if you’re taking prescription medication.
Your dental professional may take dental X-rays. You’re unlikely to get dental X-rays every time you visit the dentist. The dentist will use X-rays to determine whether you have problems like wisdom teeth that are growing incorrectly or to check your tooth bone density.
One of the dental professionals may use a periodontal probe to measure the pockets or gaps between your teeth.
Next, you’ll get a cleaning. The dental hygienist will scrape away plaque and tartar from your mouth, then they’ll polish your tooth enamel. This part of the visit is likely to take up the majority of the time at the dentist.
Finally, you’ll have an examination with the dentist. They’ll look for problems like gum recession, cracks or cavities, and other signs of dental infection. The examination will likely be short. If the dentist identifies any problems like a cavity, periodontal disease, gum disease, or infection, they will talk to you about next steps.
After Your Visit
Sometimes after a thorough dental cleaning, your gums may feel puffy or uncomfortable. Your teeth may be more sensitive as well. You can contact the dental office if you have questions or concerns. If your dentist identified a buildup of plaque or tartar, this may be a good time to adjust your oral hygiene routine.
The professionals at Weninger Dentistry are here to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. Patients come to us because we offer excellent patient care and a full range of services. Call today to make your next dental appointment in Tampa, Florida.