What to Expect During Your First Visit to a New Dentist

Maybe you’ve just moved to a new town and need to find a new dental practice. Or maybe you just haven’t had your teeth cleaned as often as you should and are finally ready to start giving your smile the care it deserves. Whatever reason you have for visiting a new dentist, it’s important to know what to expect during your first visit. Read on to learn everything you need to know to prepare yourself for your appointment.

Preparing Your Forms

A new practice will need you to fill out some paperwork before you can be treated. Check to see if the forms are available on the practice’s website; if they are, you can save yourself – and your dentist – a lot of time by completing the forms at home and bringing them with you to your appointment.

X-Rays

Unless your new dentist receives a record from your old one, they’ll most likely need to take X-rays of your smile. These images can be used to detect tooth decay, gum disease, bone loss, infections, impacted teeth, and other hidden abnormalities that would be difficult or impossible to see during a normal visual inspection. Modern practices usually take digital X-rays, which emit much less radiation and can be developed quickly without the need for a darkroom.

Examination

The next step is a comprehensive exam where your dentist checks for any potential problems. This generally means looking for early tooth decay and gingivitis, both of which need to be treated quickly to prevent a more severe oral health issue. The dentist will take this time to talk to you about any problems you might have been experiencing lately, such as sensitive teeth. This might also be a good chance to talk about any cosmetic concerns that have been on your mind. Once the exam is done, your dentist will create a treatment plan based on your needs.

Cleaning

Of course, a regular dental appointment isn’t complete until you’ve received a thorough cleaning. Either your dentist or a licensed hygienist will use a special tool to “scale” your teeth and remove plaque and tartar buildup; they’ll also floss to get the hard-to-reach spaces between your teeth. The final step will be to polish the enamel, refreshing your smile.

Other Procedures

Some minor procedures can be performed at the end of your appointment if your dentist decides that they’re necessary. For example, they might place a filling for a cavity, or they could perform an in-office whitening. Of course, certain treatments – such as crown placements – will most likely require a second appointment.

During your visit, pay attention to how the dentist and the staff treat you. Do they make you feel welcome and comfortable with the care you’re receiving? Think carefully about your treatment as your teeth are being cleaned so that you can ask yourself, “Have I found the right dentist near me?”

About the Practice

Here at Dolfield Dental, we work closely with our patients to help them feel confident about their treatment. Unlike other cookie-cutter dental chains, we provide one-on-one personal care that makes you feel like part of the family. If you’re looking for a new dentist or haven’t had a cleaning for over six months, visit our website or call (410) 902-4110 to make at an appointment at our practice in Owings Mills.