There are so many things you’re going to want to keep in mind before going to those quarterly doctor visits, and the biggest one of them all is to ensure your dentist appointment goes smoothly. In fact, this is vital. Since most dentist appointments are every six months, you’ll want to try to make the most out of these appointments while also trying to make the work go a little easier on the dentist. So, here are some helpful tips for making this appointment go smoothly.
Brush and floss before your dentist appointment
This tip isn’t necessarily about “tricking” your dentist, something that’s not going to work anyways. Instead, this will allow you to have clean teeth, reducing the chances of food being caught in any tools. This is going to save you from a lot of embarrassment, and this is going to make the dentist’s job a lot easier too.
Bring your dental records.
Suppose this is a brand new dentist; you’ll most likely need to bring dental records. Changing dentists means that you may want to bring your dental records to your new appointment. This will ensure a smooth transition between providers. It can also help save time and money on treatment.
Arrive early
Getting to your dentist appointment early is the first step to making your visit go smoothly. It will allow you time to complete the paperwork and settle into your dentist’s office. It will also allow you to unwind before your appointment. Depending on your dentist, you may need to arrive at least fifteen minutes before your appointment.
You should fill out paperwork at your appointment if you are a new patient. If you are a dental patient who has been under sedation, you should let the receptionist know at the time you make your appointment. The dentist will decide if you need a sedative. This is especially important if you are nervous about your visit.
Fill out forms
Whether you’re a new patient or you’ve been going to the dentist for years, filling out forms before an appointment is a good idea. You’ll save time and have more information available to your dentist. You can also save money by using online forms instead of paper ones.
Be honest
If you want to make the most out of your visit, you’re going to have to be upfront and honest. Your dentist needs to know everything about you and your health in order to treat you properly. It’s easy to tell a white lie to prevent a visit from being stressful, but doing so puts you at risk for serious medical interactions.
Many people are afraid to tell their dentist that they are experiencing pain. This fear may have arisen because they’ve had a bad experience with their dentist, such as being rude or judgmental. While some dentists can be this way, don’t let it bother you. They’re in their profession to ensure you have healthy oral hygiene. Whether you want teeth straightening or have a cavity, make sure to let them know.
