The purpose of a dental check-up goes further than merely getting your teeth cleaned. It is also an opportunity for a dentist to evaluate the patient's mouth and come up with a treatment plan for any issues that may not be known by the patient. Regular visits to the dentist's clinic are an integral part of preventative dental care.
Here are seven simple things that can be done to make a patient's visit to the dentist a lot easier:
Patients often have a hard time remembering all the questions they have during dental visits, so it is best to write them down before appointments. Patients should talk to their dentists about any issues they are experiencing like bleeding gums, tooth pain or sensitivity, sores inside the mouth, habits like teeth grinding, or difficulty brushing and flossing due to a damaged tooth.
Patients should also provide any updates to their medical history during dental check-ups. Many health issues can affect a person's oral health like diabetes, and dentists are better equipped to treat their patients when they are fully aware of the health conditions the person is dealing with. The more informed the dentist is, the more likely they will be to recommend the right treatments.
Certain medications have side effects like dry mouth, increased blood pressure, or depression which can increase the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Other medications have a thinning effect on the patient's blood, and that can lead to increased bleeding after dental treatments are performed. When a dentist is aware of the medications a patient takes, proper steps can be made to ensure its side effects does not lead to complications during treatments.
This option is particularly important for those working with a budget. Finances being tight can lead to dental anxiety since the patient finds that they continuously are worried about being able to afford the necessary treatments. When working with a budget, it is best to communicate that directly with the dentist so that cheaper treatments can be explored.
Dentistry is always changing, and some things that were once recommended by dentists are now considered unhealthy. Patients should talk to their dentist about the proper way to take care of their teeth and gums. Part of a dentist's job is to educate patients about their oral health so take advantage of this.
Showing up for dental appointments on time gives the patient an opportunity to relax and calm down before treatments. That leads to a more pleasant experience since the person does not feel rushed. Patients should make it a habit of arriving at least five minutes before dental appointments.
Those who have a hard time staying relaxed at the dentist's clinic should consider sedation dentistry. This choice involves the use of sedatives to keep patients relaxed during appointments.
Ready for your next check-up? Schedule an appointment with one of our dentists today!
Request a dental appointment here: https://clarisseatakhaniandds.com or call Clarisse Atakhanian DDS Inc. at (818) 483-9071 for an appointment in our Glendale dental office.
At your Glendale dentist, we know that the secret to great teeth is consistency and regular visits to the dentist for an examination and cleaning. While we understand that visiting the dentist is probably not the first thing on your “fun things to schedule today” list, we also know there are intrinsic benefits to seeing…
Many people do not know that regular dental checkups are the most important preventive dentistry procedures against oral cancer. The dentist’s objective is to prevent and diagnose any issue as early as possible, when treatment is easier. Preventive dentistry is all about keeping the oral cavity healthy for a long time. Oral cancer screening is…
Preventive dentistry involves using the right products. This includes selecting the right toothpaste. There is a type of toothpaste for every person. If you want to enhance your preventive dentistry brushing strategy, here are some tips on choosing the right toothpaste.The attending dentist will be the judge of the most suitable toothpaste. The dentist knows…
Many people know that preventative dentistry can help protect their teeth from things like plaque and decay. However, they may not know that their bad habits cause damage to their teeth. You might not feel pain when doing something as small as biting your fingernails, but it can lead to severe dental problems. With some…
A dental bridge might be the right treatment if you have lost one or more teeth and want to enhance your oral health and self-esteem. The dental bridge can restore your smile’s appearance and allow you to chew normally once more. If you are considering this treatment, this article outlines all the steps involved so…
Dental fillings can last a long time, but they are not life-long restorations. Most fillings will need to be replaced after around a decade, with some types lasting longer than others. If you are wondering whether it is time to replace your old dental filling, be aware that as long as it is continuing to…