Dentists- What To Expect When You Visit One

When it comes to visiting the dentist it is essential that you first choose one who makes you feel comfortable. The next step after that is to book an appointment for a check-up. During your very first visit to a new dentist he or she will get started by asking you a variety of questions about your health. The dental practitioner needs to know as much information about your past health history as well as your present health status as possible. If anything changes with your health the next time you visit then let your dental professional know.

It is recommended that you visit the dentist for a check-up every six months. If you have problems then you may have to go more often than that to have your teeth looked at, such as every three months until you are told otherwise. Having your teeth checked twice a year will help them stay clean, strong and problem-free. It is also a preventative measure that can help to keep problems at bay.

Often a check-up will include a cleaning by a dental hygienist. The hygienist will use dental instruments to scale your teeth. This means that any plaque and tartar that has built up on your teeth and around your gum line will be scraped away. The hygienist will then give your teeth a good polishing and will likely floss them. Children often have fluoride treatments at this time as well.

After that it will be time to open up wide yet again! Now it is time for the dentist to perform the examination. Your practitioner will perform a thorough exam of not just your teeth but also your gums and your mouth in general. He will look for any signs of teeth problems and also for signs of diseases or impending problems. If a problem can be detected early enough then a course of treatment can be undertaken immediately, thereby preventing the problem from worsening.

Some dentists recommend X-rays for their patients. This may vary from patient to patient and it may not be something you require every time you come in. Your age may play a role in this, as may any symptoms you are having or any problems you have encountered in the past. X-rays can tell a great deal about the condition of your teeth, gums and your mouth in general. In fact X-rays can diagnose oral health issues that might go undiagnosed otherwise.

Having an X-ray can uncover any damage that has occurred to your jawbone. It can show abscesses, cysts, tumors, impacted teeth and decay in or between the teeth. Be aware that the radiation emitted from an X-ray machine at a dental office is no more harmful to you than the amount you would receive by spending a weekend in front of your television set or a hot and sunny day spent at the beach. However it is always recommended that a lead apron be placed over the front of your body before it gets underway. If you are expecting a baby then let the technician know. X-rays for pregnant women should only be done under emergency circumstances.