It is important for you to see a dentist at least twice per year for regular cleanings; however, if you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, then you might not be sure of what to expect. There are a few key points that you should keep in mind when you arrive for your first dental appointment.
A Thorough Review of Your Past Dental History
While there are a lot of advances in the field of dentistry that are published regularly in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry, the past is just as important as the future. The dentist is going to go through your prior medical and dental history. If you are taking any prescription medications, your dentist will want to know. If you have any allergies, your dentist will want to know this as well. You should also let the dentist know about any chronic medical conditions you might have.
Furthermore, if you have had dental surgery in the past, you should let your dentist know about this as well. It would be helpful for you to bring your prior medical and dental records to the visit so that your dentist can review them thoroughly.
A Dentist Who Will Make You Comfortable
There are plenty of people who get nervous during a trip to the dentist’s office. There is nothing wrong with this and dentists expect this. At the same time, you should expect to see a dentist who will do everything in his or her power to make you comfortable. This is an important part of your visit.
Remember that your oral health is an important part of your overall health. Therefore, if it has been a while since you have been to the dentist, give yourself a gift by scheduling a checkup with an oral health professional.
