Are you feeling nervous about an upcoming routine dental check-up?
Don’t panic, you’re not the only one.
Feeling anxious about visiting the dentist often prevents people from having regular check-ups, which can have devastating consequences on your oral health.
At Grosvenor Dental Practice we feel that prevention is always better than cure.
To relieve your anxiety, it is important to know what to expect when going for a routine examination.
This article will talk you through the general proceedings of a six-monthly dental check-up, so you can make the most out of your appointment.
A review of your health
Your dental practice will ask you to review your health records before you enter the dental chair.
This includes information on your dental history, current medication, smoking and drinking rates and any immediate problems or concerns you may have.
The oral examination
Following a brief chat with your dentist, who will ask you about your daily cleaning habits and any problems or discomforts that you may have been facing, they will then begin an oral examination.
This is a visual check of your teeth, gums, cheek and tongue. Your dentist will be looking for any sign of decay, gum disease, cracking and a build up of plaque and tartar.
A check of your gum health
Your dentist will examine your gums for signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease.
They will look for signs of redness, swelling or bleeding.
They may use a periodontal probe to measure the pocket length of your gum and to see if the gum bleeds. This is a painless, standard check.
X-rays
If deemed necessary by your dentist, an X-ray may be taken to provide a more detailed view of your teeth and underlying bone structure.
Modern X-rays are quick, painless and often take place in the dental chair.
They are essential in identifying any hidden problems that the eye can’t see.
A professional clean
Following these oral examinations, the dentist will discuss the overall condition of your teeth.
For many people, a professional clean is recommended to remove any build up of plaque and tartar to prevent your teeth from decaying.
This professional clean is also known as a ‘scale and polish’.
You may hear a buzzing or feel light vibrations, but the clean will leave your teeth feeling fresh and smooth.
Recommendations
At the end of your routine examination, the dentist will discuss their findings with you.
They may suggest further treatment such as fillings and will provide oral health advice and good practices.
This is a good opportunity to ask any questions that you may have.
The dentist will also recommend a time frame for your next appointment, with most patients only needing to return every six months.
How to calm my nerves over my dental examination?
Lots of people are nervous about their routine check-up at the dentist but they’re ways to help combat this anxiety.
It is important to communicate with your dentist about your anxiety.
At Grosvenor Dental Practice our dentists enjoy working with nervous patients to give them the confidence to become regular attenders, who look forward to their next appointment.
Bringing someone who makes you feel at ease is a good way to calm your nerves before a routine examination. They will be an easy distraction and a familiar comfort to help get you in the chair.
Conclusion
Attending your scheduled routine dental examinations are incredibly important in ensuring you maintain good oral health.
These appointments are all about prevention and early detection and will save you from expensive treatments in the future.
Here’s what to expect for your routine dental examination at Grosvenor Dental Practice.
