Going to the dentist doesn’t have to be the nerve-wracking ordeal that some people make it out to be. It’s a matter of simple preparation.
Here are some things that you can do to ensure that your next dental visit goes smoothly.
Write Out Any Concerns
This is a good idea when you go to a doctor – it’s easy to get nervous and forget to tell important things and only remember as the doctor is on the way out of the exam room.
A dentist is a doctor for your teeth, after all. It’s worth it to jot down some things you may be concerned about with the state of your mouth. Perhaps there has been a lingering sore. A particular tooth may be feeling sensitive or even a bit loose. Don’t expect the dentist or hygienist to catch everything with an exam and cleaning.
If you’re feeling a bit shy about even voicing these to the dentist, you can always hand them the written items and they can read it. It’d help if you did it in a bullet-point checklist.
Make Sure Records Are Up To Date
This is not as much an issue if you’ve been going to the same dentist for a long time. They will have a good idea of the state of your mouth. It’s when you move or go to a new dentist because your previous one retired or you changed insurance that it can be a problem.
While dentists are really good at assessing the state of one’s teeth and gums from a visit, if they don’t have the full picture from your records, it can feel like starting a novel in the middle with the earlier chapters ripped out.
With more and more dentists adopting electronic records, sending them to each other is a snap. It’s the best thing for your overall oral health. Also, while your current dentist may know you, they see a lot of patients and you should jog their memory about any allergies or conditions.
See How You Can Improve
When you finish seeing your doctor, they may give pointers on how to lower your weight, get in shape and improve your overall health. The same can go for your dental visit. Ask them about proper brushing or flossing form. They may have noticed you’re doing something like brushing too hard or not spending enough time.
The overall goal for a dentist or hygienist is to ensure that you have optimum oral health and will be glad to impart any beneficial tips for you.
The only thing that’s on Dr. Robert Trager’s checklist is making sure that your dental visit goes smoothly. He brings decades of experience to the table. Give him a call at 718-656-4747 to make an appointment.
