Haven’t Been to the Dentist in a While? Here’s What You Can Expect

Are you looking to get your dental health back on track, but you haven’t been to the dentist in a while? Many people in this situation feel anxious or afraid to go back. Sometimes this is powerful enough to stop them from picking up the phone and scheduling an appointment. Fortunately, your dentist in Brooklyn can tell you exactly what you can expect when you come in for your next visit so you can be worry-free. Read on to learn about what your appointment will look like.

How Long Should You Allow for Your Appointment?

If you haven’t been in the office for a while, it may take a little longer than usual. This is just because you will need to fill out some additional paperwork about things like your basic contact information, health history, and dental insurance if you have it. After this, your dental team will get started. You should reserve about an hour for your appointment so that there’s plenty of time to get everything done.

What Will My Appointment Look Like?

Your appointment will contain several different steps. Here’s how each of them should go:

X-Rays

As soon as your paperwork is all caught up, a staff member will lead you back to have your x-rays taken. X-rays help to reveal issues like tooth decay, jawbone issues, impacted teeth, and other issues that can’t be seen by the naked eye. The process is quick and doesn’t require much discomfort at all. The technician will place a lead apron over your chest and situate an x-ray sensor in your mouth. You will be instructed when to bite down. This only takes a few seconds.

Checkup

After your x-rays are complete, your dental team will complete an exam. At this time, you can address any issues or concerns that you’re having. All while in a comfortable reclined position, your mouth will be checked for gum disease, tooth decay, and even early signs of oral cancer. Your dentist will let you know about any abnormalities and other findings so you will understand what’s going on.

Ask Questions

Your dental team will be happy to answer any questions that you may have. Whether it be about any issues you’ve been having or to have better knowledge about how to take care of your smile, you can expect a comprehensive answer to any of your questions.

Next Time

At the end of your appointment, a member of your dental staff will help you to make an appointment for next time. This way you can continue to keep up with your dental health in the future.

It’s never too late to get on top of your oral health. Your dentist in Brooklyn is ready to help you through every step of the way.

About the Author

Dr. Danielle D’Amato is a general dentist serving the Brooklyn area. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery at Ohio State University College of Dentistry. She has expanded her skills to include surgery, cosmetics, and implantology. Dr. D’Amato works alongside a periodontist, endodontist, and orthodontist as well as two other general dentists. This way, patients can get everything they need at one convenient location. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit her website or call (718) 531-0300.