We’ve heard it all our lives: twice yearly dental visits are essential for our oral health. But while we know this to be true, it’s easy to overlook, to forget to make an appointment or to simply assume that your teeth will be fine if you miss a cleaning or two. And that’s totally understandable! The good news, however, is that it’s never too late to make an appointment and get back on the road to good oral hygiene. So even if you’d have to admit, “it’s been a while since I’ve seen the dentist,” there’s no need to worry or to feel any guilt about it.
What to Expect When You Make a Dentist Appointment
If it’s been a long time since you came in for a teeth cleaning and examination, you may be apprehensive about what to expect when you arrive for your appointment. While there’s definitely no need to worry, it is a good idea to prepare yourself, so there will be no surprises when you arrive.
Here are a few things to be aware of ahead of your dentist appointment:
- The Appointment Will Be Thorough and May Take A While. If you haven’t been to the dentist for a while, your first appointment back may be rather lengthy. Not only will the teeth cleaning be more in-depth than normal, but you will probably need to update your paperwork and go through a full dental history. Your dentist will likely take x-rays of your teeth as well.
- You May Experience Some Bleeding and Your Teeth Cleaning Could be a Little Painful. If you haven’t had a teeth cleaning in some time, chances are you have a significant buildup of plaque and tartar. This means that your gums will be extra sensitive and may bleed when the hygienist cleans your teeth.
- You May Require Multiple Appointments. The longer it’s been since you had your teeth cleaned, the more in depth the cleaning that’s required. This means that your hygienist may even need two visits to perform an adequate cleaning. In addition, if your dentist discovers other problems, you may need to come back to get them taken care of.
- There’s No Need to Feel Guilty or Embarrassed! Most importantly, you should never feel guilty or embarrassed, no matter how long it’s been since you last saw your dentist. A professional practitioner is there to care for you and your teeth, not judge you. If your dentist makes you feel guilty for not coming in sooner, you might want to look for a new dentist.
If you’ve decided to go ahead and schedule a dentist appointment, congratulations! You’re back on the path to excellent oral hygiene. And if you’re still on the fence about it, don’t be scared. You may be saying to yourself, “It’s been a while since I’ve seen the dentist. I can’t go back now,” but that’s precisely why you should make an appointment. Neglecting your teeth can have lasting consequences if you continue to ignore them.
At Temple Family Dentistry, we provide a friendly and professional atmosphere and are here to answer any questions you may have about oral health. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out.
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