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Missing regular visits to the dentist is not uncommon. In fact, it’s far more common than people think. And, what typically drives people back to the dentist tends to be a sore tooth or dental problem. When that happens, a patient might have a bit of apprehension about a new visit. Here’s what one can expect to settle some of that stress.
Arriving
Like most health-related offices, the first stop involves the front desk and getting registered. If a patient hasn’t been in an office at all, or it’s been a very long time, they are going to be asked to fill out a number of forms. Those forms capture identification information, any major health concerns, any details about recent dental problems and people to contact for additional emergency notification if needed. This shouldn’t be a surprise; it follows a standard path of information collection handled at any health office. Once checked in and forms completed, then comes the appointment when the dentist is ready.
The Initial Evaluation
Believe it or not, your first step with a dentist probably won’t be the dentist right away. In fact, it will be a dental technician. His or her job will be to get the patient settled in and take x-rays. With a full set imagined, then the technician will engage in a dental cleaning. This is needed to clear out any matter, so a dentist can clearly see the condition of the patient’s teeth. With the cleaning completed, for both upper and lower teeth, then the gum depth will be tested. At this point, the dentist might arrive. The gum depth test measures the extent of any gum disease.
With the initial cleaning and gums checked, the dentist will then review the x-rays as well as the results of the gum tests and will perform an examination manually. It may take a few minutes to document and track everything that the dentist sees. A dental assistant will be present as well, helping the dentist put everything together in regard to the patient’s records. Once complete, then the dentist can focus on advising the patient.
The Diagnosis
It would be amazing to go for an extended period without dental visits and not have a dental issue on a return visit. More than likely, the patient will have signs of gum disease as well as a few cavities. Based on what the dentist finds, a recommendation and treatment plan will be put together. Any serious treatment may be then scheduled by the Fuquay Varina dentist after advising and gaining agreement from the patient. The patient will also be put on a cleaning and exam schedule, usually every three months for a serious monitoring or every six months for a regular schedule. The dentist will then more than likely move onto the next patient unless the current one has any questions.
Wrap Up
Of course, things aren’t done yet. A patient will then get a bit of a polishing treatment to give their teeth one final cleaning, and then he or she will be supplied with a basic care kit of a new toothbrush, floss and toothpaste as well as written recommendations on what to do for personal care. As the patient exits, he or she will then consult with the finance office and scheduling office for the next visit. That literally is how a return patient’s visit will likely go. No stress, nothing to be afraid of, and a lot of dental care to benefit from.