Is your first dental checkup and cleaning of the year coming up? If so, you should give yourself a pat on the back – you’re already on your way to a healthier smile in 2024! If you’ve struggled with dental-related anxiety in the past, the sights and sounds of the dental office put you on edge, or you’re simply interested in making your appointment as efficient as possible, then read on for five helpful tips for a smooth dental checkup.
1. Brush and Floss Before Your Appointment
Unless your dentist tells you otherwise, it’s a good idea to brush and floss your teeth before your appointment. Why? To begin, this will give your dentist insight into the areas of your mouth that are vulnerable to plaque and tartar buildup. Plus, this will cut down on the amount of time your dental hygienist needs to conduct your cleaning.
2. Get There 10 Minutes Early
The last thing you want is to be rushing to your appointment, adding unnecessary stress and anxiety to your day. To prevent that from happening, plan to get to your dentist’s office 10 minutes early. This will give you plenty of time to fill out any necessary paperwork and get settled into the treatment chair comfortably.
3. Determine Your Payment Method Before You Arrive
Do you have dental insurance? If so, make sure your dental team has all of the information they need before your appointment. Interested in an alternative financial solution, like flexible financing? Then consider signing up before you arrive so everything is squared away when it comes time to pay.
4. Write Down Any Questions You Have
Leading up to your appointment, you might have all sorts of questions for your dental team – from what toothbrush they recommend to how you can reduce your risk of tooth decay. If you write them down, you’re significantly less likely to forget!
5. Share Any Concerns or Fears with Your Dental Team
There’s a common misconception that any concerns or fears you have should be kept to yourself. That’s not the case! Your dentist wants to know what they can do to make your time in the treatment chair more enjoyable. Whether you would feel better having them explain what they are doing or you’re interested in adding nitrous oxide to your treatment plan, don’t hesitate to have an open conversation with your dental team.
About the Practice
As a top-rated dental team in Longmeadow, you can rest assured that our team at Flagship Dental Group goes above and beyond to make each patient feel comfortable at our office. Whether you’re coming in for a routine checkup or a specialty service, like veneers, we want you to have the smooth and stress-free experience you deserve from start to finish. If you have any questions for us (or you’d like to schedule your next appointment), visit our website or call (413) 567-1221.