First Visit to a Family Dentist

First Visit to a Family Dentist from Dental Studio Colleyville in Colleyville, TXWhether an individual has simply not been to the family dentist in a few years or switched to a new provider, a first visit can be overwhelming and possibly nerve-wracking. Knowing what to expect during the first visit and how to prepare can help ease individuals’ concerns and ensure the appointment goes as smoothly as possible.

Preparing for a first visit to a family dentist

Maintaining twice-yearly appointments to a general dentist is essential to maintaining one’s overall oral health. However, there are certain steps individuals can take to gain the most benefit from a first visit. Below are the top three:

  • Understand insurance options. Individuals who choose to invest in dental insurance should check with the insurers to find in-network dentists. It would also be beneficial for an individual to review the policy before scheduling an appointment to gain an idea of the type of procedures the policy covers and how much the insurer agrees to pay for covered services.
  • Transfer dental records. Individuals who have been to the dentist in the past can make the most of an upcoming appointment by having previous dental records sent to the new provider. These records contain valuable information that a dentist can use to identify potential issues, anticipate new ones, and provide tailored care.
  • Write down any concerns. Most people who make a first dental visit in several years do so because of certain concerns that have cropped up. Example concerns include teeth grinding, tooth sensitivity, gum swelling and tenderness, and tooth loss. A person should write down these concerns and take the notes along to the first dental appointment.

Taking the above steps is simple yet can go a long way toward ensuring a successful first visit.

What to expect at a first appointment

Fear of the unknown is one of the most common reasons individuals put off visits to the family dentist. For individuals to whom this rings true, it may help to have a play-by-play of what to expect during that initial visit.

X-rays

Unless another dentist sent a patient’s record over to the new dentist, a first visit is likely to involve X-rays. Bitewing X-rays are the most common type of X-ray used in dentistry to detect cavities, infection, bone loss, and gum disease. A dentist may use panoramic X-rays to find additional issues such as impacted teeth, tumors, bone abnormalities, and other issues.

Exam

While X-rays are a great tool for revealing existing and potential issues, the dentist will want to perform a physical examination to confirm what the X-rays reveal, as well as to identify other issues the X-rays may have missed. During the exam, the dentist will also discuss with the patient any concerns they may have, such as sensitivity, toothaches, or cosmetic concerns. From there, the dentist will put together a treatment plan.

Cleaning

Most dental visits end with a dental cleaning. Professional cleanings are essential for obtaining and maintaining optimal oral health, as professional cleanings are able to remove plaque and tartar buildup that at-home cleanings cannot.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Family Dentist First Visit in Colleyville, TX

Conclusion

A family dentist plays an integral role in a person’s overall health. Schedule your first appointment today.

Request an appointment or call Dental Studio Colleyville at 817-885-5188 for an appointment in our Colleyville office.

Recent Posts

The Long-Term Benefits Of Seeing A Family Dentist

Establishing a relationship with a family dentist offers numerous long-term benefits for maintaining oral health. By providing comprehensive care for patients of all ages, a family dentist ensures continuity of treatment, early detection of potential problems, and education that fosters a lifetime of healthy habits. Investing in regular visits to a family dentis is an…

How A Family Dentist Can Treat Tooth Decay

One of the many things that a family dentist does is detect and treat tooth decay. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 90% of adults in the United States have had a cavity at some point in time. Even though this issue is quite common, it does not mean that…

3 Common Reasons To See A Family Dentist

A unique benefit of choosing a family dentist is that this professional care for the oral health of your entire household during every stage of life. The dental needs of children, teenagers, and adults vary, so a family dentist who can offer a comprehensive range of services for every family member is a valuable asset.Family…

Recent Posts

Who Is A Good Candidate For An Implant Dentist

Who Is A Good Candidate For An Implant Dentist

If you are missing one or more teeth, visiting an implant dentist is a good first step toward restoring your smile. Dental implants are an exciting, new, and versatile way to replace teeth and get people back to smiling confidently and enjoying the foods they love. However, dental implants may not be for everyone. Therefore,…

The Advantages Of Choosing An Implant Dentist For Tooth Replacement

The Advantages Of Choosing An Implant Dentist For Tooth Replacement

If you have lost one or more of your teeth, talking to an implant dentist might provide the tooth replacement solution you are looking for. Dental implants are one of the most popular ways to replace missing teeth. Whether you are missing one tooth or all of your teeth, chances are there is an implant…