Has it been quite a while since your last dental checkup? Whether it’s due to worries about cost, a busy schedule, or dental anxiety, sometimes months or even years can pass by without visiting your dentist in Cary. However, taking good care of your mouth is important in having a healthy, bright smile. Scheduling that first appointment in a long time can be intimidating, but your dentist and their team will make sure you’re comfortable. Here’s what you can expect to happen at your next dental checkup and cleaning if you haven’t had one in a while.
Checking in for Your Visit
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, checking in for your appointment will look a bit different than it did a year ago. Rather than waiting inside the office, you’ll be asked to check in from your car and only enter the building when the team is ready for you. Once you arrive, you’ll be asked to fill out some health and insurance forms if you haven’t already done so online. You’ll also be asked a series of questions about your health, have your temperature taken, and be asked to rinse your mouth with an antibacterial solution.
Meeting Your Dentist
Once you’re settled into the treatment chair, your Cary dentist will introduce themselves. After taking some time to get to know you and reviewing your health history, your smile goals, and any concerns you might have, they’ll introduce you to one of their dental hygienists.
The Dental Cleaning
The hygienist will use special instruments to clean your teeth much more thoroughly than you can with your toothbrush and floss at home. First, they’ll remove built-up plaque from hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. Then, they’ll polish your teeth with a gritty substance to clear surface stains on your enamel, leaving your smile shining brightly.
The Dental Exam
Following your cleaning, your dentist will take X-rays and closely examine your mouth for signs of the following:
- Suspicious lumps, bumps, and lesions that could indicate oral cancer
- Worn-down or fractured teeth
- Cavities
- Gum disease
Developing a Treatment Plan
After the exam, the dentist will discuss their findings with you. If any issues need to be addressed, like tooth decay or gum infections, they’ll come up with a personalized plan to get your oral health back on track. Once you’ve both agreed upon your next steps, the front desk staff will help you book your next appointment.
No matter how long it has been since your last dental checkup, there’s no need to feel embarrassed. Your dentist has no interest in judging you. They just want to help you smile! Give them a call today to schedule your next visit.
About the Author
Dr. Bikram Singh has nearly two decades of experience treating smiles of all ages. After practicing dentistry in India, he moved to the U.S. and completed his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. During dental checkups, he takes the time to get to know each patient’s unique needs before formulating a personalized oral healthcare plan. If it has been a while since your last appointment, visit Dr. Singh’s website or call his office at (919) 460-5454.