Regular checkups are a critical part of keeping your mouth and overall health in check. If you haven’t been the dentist in a long time, you’re seeing a dentist for the first time, or you’ve relocated to a new area, a refresher on what to expect at your next check-up is great to have. Let Advanced Dentistry of Collegeville help you get prepared for your next dental appointment.
Preparing for Your Dental Check-Up
There are a few important things to do in preparation for your dental check-up. Gather information about your health history, including any medications you are taking. If you are switching dentists, you can request your former dentist transfer your records to your new provider. Most providers will require a form, fax number, or email address. You can help your new dentist get a complete picture of your dental history.
It is important to discuss any health concerns, including pregnancy diabetes, epilepsy, or special needs, in order for your dentist to best support you. You should also mention any other concerns outside of health as well as any accommodations you may require, including dental anxiety. Dental phobia is common and your dentist can help make your check-up more comfortable. Dr. Silva and her team at Advanced Dentistry offer sedation dentistry as an option to help those with dental fears turn multiple appointments into a single visit.
Follow your normal dental routine and give yourself extra time to arrive for your first appointment in order to complete any paperwork necessary.
At Your Dental Check-Up
Each dental office has their own procedures, though you can anticipate something similar to the following:
Check In – our front desk staff will welcome you to our office and ensure they have everything necessary for a successful visit. They may need to collect information including contact info, health history, and insurance information. Answer all the questions in the health history honestly including medication information and allergies so our office can make the best recommendations. Your information is ALWAYS kept private, so it is important to be thorough and truthful.
Bring in your insurance information so your benefits can be verified and a claim can be filed. If you don’t have insurance, be sure to let our staff know immediately. You may be asked to check or update this information each time you go to the office.
After check in, if you are new to the dental office or haven’t been to the dentist in the last year, you will likely have x-rays taken. This information is helpful for the hygienist and the dentist to see the condition of your teeth and jaw, specifically below the gum line. X-rays can help with early detection of certain diseases and disorders.
Evaluation – you will receive a comprehensive evaluation to determine the health of your teeth and gums. Your dental team is looking for signs of gum disease, cavities, and any other abnormalities (like signs of oral cancer).
Treatment – based on your evaluation, the dentist may recommend specific treatment to remove plaque and tartar and address any additional issues they find concerning. During this part of your visit you will likely have your teeth polished and flossed.
End of the visit – this is the part where you’ll pay for your visit and schedule your next dental appointment. Our office staff can answer any financial questions you may have (like expected insurance payments and out-of-pocket costs) and help you schedule your next appointment. Typically, people get a dental check-up twice a year.
If you have any questions or are ready to schedule your next appointment, call our office at (610) 489-5555. We can’t wait to see you!
