Dental anxiety and phobia is when someone avoids seeing the dentist because of fear or stress. People suffering from dental phobia put off dental visits for years or even decades.
Apparently it’s very common: up to 15% American people will bail on their dental appointments, due to fear and anxiety. This percentage means almost 40 million Americans don’t see the dentist regularly because of fear.
Interestingly enough, advances in modern dentistry have made almost all dental procedures pain-free.
If the last dental procedure you had went painful, it’s most likely your dentist didn’t anesthetize properly. Maybe you need a change of dentist? It’s not very easy to find one, but it gets easier if you know what makes a great dentist great at what they do.
If your first dental visit is making you anxious or you’re curious about what happens; here’s what will happen.
Oral hygiene history
On your first dental visit, the dentist’s assistant or receptionist will help you out with registration, take your personal details, and your oral health history as well. You can also ask questions regarding frequency of visits, treatments available, payments, etc.
Evaluation
Your dental visit starts with an evaluation of your oral hygiene. This involves inspecting your mouth, gums, and teeth. Usually, evaluation is short and painless. On your first visit, the dentist will ask if you have any existing dental problems.
Dental charting
After initial evaluation, the dentist will take a count of your teeth and fillings you may have. If there are any gaps between the teeth and gums, a periodontal probe is used to measure them. An assistant will jot down this data to make your dental chart. This chart is helpful for your future visits.
During the dental charting process, the dentist may also check your jaw and bite. Depending on their observations, dentist may also provide tips on improving your oral care.
X-rays of your teeth
The dentist might order x-rays as well; depending on your oral hygiene. These x-rays provide insights into problems that may have gone undetected during initial evaluation.
X-rays are useful in monitoring gum disease, cavities, and oral infections. X-rays are short and painless.
Follow-up visit
If there aren’t any urgent issues that need addressing, a second visit will be scheduled for later. If you are in need of dental treatment, you’ll be guided accordingly by the receptionist.
American Dental Association (ADA) stresses regular dental visits as well. While common rule is to visit the dentist twice a year but dentist will schedule your next visit depending on your oral health condition.
Looking for a friendly and qualified family dentist in Germantown, MD? We offer only the best in dental services so reach out now and schedule a visit.
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