Can’t remember the last time you got a teeth cleaning or oral exam? Worried about scheduling your first dentist appointment in years? We want to ease your worries and help you get back on a good oral health path. In this quick guide, you’ll learn what to expect from your first dentist appointment and how to protect your smile in years to come.
Schedule Your Judgment-Free Dentist Appointment
Clinton Dental Center is a safe, nonjudgmental dentist office. No matter how long it has been since you’ve seen the dentist, you can walk in with confidence knowing that we will not judge you for your smile. Our goal is to clean and protect your smile, regardless of its current state. If you haven’t been to the dentist in years, don’t wait any longer to schedule an appointment. You will receive positive support every step of the way.
What to Expect during Your First Dentist Appointment in Years
If you haven’t been to the dentist in years, the first appointment might be slightly different than what you remember. Here’s what you can expect:
- A slightly longer appointment time. Your teeth cleaning will most likely take longer than usual because of the added plaque buildup. You will also need to complete new patient paperwork, including updated insurance information and contact details.
- A thorough oral exam. All oral exams are detailed, but this one may be even more thorough than before. Your dentist will look for any signs of oral health issues, including tooth decay, gum disease, loose fillings, chipped teeth, and more.
- Full mouth x-rays. These scans give your dentist a complete look at your smile, down to the roots of your teeth. The x-rays will help your dentist see issues that may not be visible on the surface.
- A two-part appointment. In many cases, the teeth cleanings must be scheduled in two parts after an extended time away from the dentist. You may also need a follow-up appointment for oral health treatment, such as taking antibiotics for a tooth infection. The dentist will want to see you after the antibiotics are complete to see if they resolved the issue.
- Temporary gum bleeding during your teeth cleaning. This is a common experience for people who have not been to the dentist in years. Your gums are not used to the tools used during deep cleanings, even if you brush and floss every day. If your gums happen to bleed, it will only be for a moment.
- Dedicated support from a friendly family dentist office. From your first appointment to your fiftieth, the team at Clinton Dental Center will welcome you with a smile. We care about your oral health, and we will do all we can to help you preserve it.
How to Maintain Your Oral Health Moving forward
After your first dentist appointment in years, follow the care recommendations your dentist provides. This may include changing your brushing technique, using fluoride mouthwash, wearing your retainer more often, avoiding sugary foods, and countless other oral health tips. Schedule your next appointment while you’re at the office, whether it be a quick follow up or your next teeth cleaning in six months. Put that date in your phone calendar to ensure you make it to the appointment.
If you haven’t been to the dentist in years, it’s not too late to protect your smile. Contact Clinton Dental Center at (586) 949-5363 to schedule your judgment-free dentist appointment.
