Has it been a while since you’ve gone to the dentist? There is no need to worry. Visiting the dentist is an easy and pain-free experience. Here is a general outline of what a typical dentist appointment looks like.
Arrival
When you first arrive at the dentist, you will likely check in with a receptionist and wait in the waiting room. When it is time for your appointment, a dental hygienist will come get you. A dental hygienist is someone who went to school to learn how to assist dentists in general appointments and procedures. They are extremely skilled and knowledgeable in their field, so there is nothing to be afraid of.
Appointment
If you have not been to the dentist before, or in a long time, it is likely they will want to take X-rays. The X-rays allow the dentist to see the ins and outs of your teeth and their structure. They are helpful to keep on file because it allows the people working on your teeth to have reference to what they used to be or what they look like. Taking X-rays is simple. You will be given a pad to wear, glasses, and a small plate for you to bite down on. Once your X-rays are done, you will move on to the cleaning.
Cleaning
Dental cleanings are a simple and pain-free process that allow hygienists to make sure your teeth are really clean. Things like tartar and plaque can be difficult to remove with normal brushing, but fairly easy to remove at the dentist’s office. Hygienists have different tools that allow them to carefully remove any unwanted plaque or tartar. They will begin first by scraping plaque off the ins and outs of your teeth. Once this is done, they move on to brushing. You will have an option of toothpaste and they will gently brush your teeth with a heavy-duty toothbrush tool. After they are finished brushing, it is time to floss. Dental hygienists know how sensitive your gums can be, so they do this gently to make sure you are not in any pain. Once this is done, they call in the dentist.
Dentist Visit
The dentist will come in after your appointment to look at your teeth. This is the time where the hygienist will share any concerns they have about your teeth. The dentist can then look at any concerned areas to see what is going on. They will check your bite, your teeth, and your gums. Once your dentist is finished looking, they typically let you know what’s going on. If you have any issues, they will be discussed at this point. Further instruction will follow if necessary.
For more information on visiting the dentist, check out Westmoreland Dentistry online. At Westmoreland Dental we meet the needs of all our patients. If you’d like to schedule an appointment visit us online here or call us at (423) 282-2844 today!