back How
do I prepare for a dental visit?
Get a good night's sleep. If you are prone to dental anxiety, eat a high
protein snack and avoid caffeinated or sugary beverages on the day of your
visit to help calm you. If your dental visit coincides with your usual mealtime,
bring a healthy snack to munch on. Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing.
Bring a list of medications (name and dosage), as well as the names of your
recent and current health care practitioners. Additionally, alert your dentist
of any medical conditions you have been diagnosed with. Jot down any questions
you think of on a notepad. Bring extra paper with you to record the dentist's
answers and any oral care instructions.
What
happens during an exam?
Expect your dentist to perform a thorough examination, detect potential
problems, and provide an appropriate treatment plan. An initial examination
may include some or all of the following procedures: a soft tissue examination;
a screening and examination for periodontal diseases; and a detailed charting
of cavities, existing restorations (fillings and crowns), and other tooth
conditions; and an oral cancer screening. Dental X-rays also may be taken
to locate any abnormalities or injuries that cannot be detected through
a visual exam.
Is
it important to share a complete medical history?
Yes. Even if you've seen the same dentist for years, communicate any changes
in your mouth or medical conditions that have been recently diagnosed.
Health conditions, medications even vitamins can interfere with routine
dental procedures. If you have a medical condition, such as heart valve
problems, recent total joint replacement, or insulin dependent diabetes,
your dentist may prescribe antibiotics before your dental visit to prevent
the spread of bacteria. These procedures could include professional teeth
cleaning, extractions and implant surgery.
If you are a cancer
patient undergoing chemotherapy, it is important to inform your dentist
about your condition. According to the National Institutes of Health,
40 percent of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy experience oral
complications including salivary gland dysfunction, which leads to dry
mouth, rampant dental decay, and painful mouth sores. The more your dentist
knows about your medical history and overall health, the better he or
she is able to develop a personalized dental treatment plan to help improve
your quality of life.
Are
routine visits necessary?
Yes. Make sure to get regular dental checkups at least every six months
to maintain healthy teeth and gums. But it is important to know that achieving
optimum oral health requires more than regular checkups: It requires you
to be an informed patient and an active participant in your own health.
Ask your dentist questions about results from your checkup and any recommended
treatment. If you have researched an oral health problem, the information
you gather can help you identify health concerns and ask the right questions.
Do
I need to discuss payment arrangements before my visit?
Payment requirements vary with each dental office, so it's a good idea
to discuss this with the receptionist before your visit. Making payment
arrangements ahead of time also can help reduce pre-visit related stress.
If possible, find out what services your dental insurance covers. Ask
whether your dentist accepts this kind of insurance and about what payment
options are offered.
What
if I need to cancel my appointment?
If you cannot keep a scheduled dental appointment, don't wait until the
last minute to cancel or not show up at all. Since staff has set up a
specific time slot for your oral health care, you should provide as much
notice of cancellation as possible. Penalties for missed appointments
vary from office to office and some may charge you for failure to cancel.
While some emergencies may make it difficult to provide advance notice,
24 hours is recommended.
If
you're unsure about what to ask your dentist, try these questions:
> What type of toothbrush and floss is best for me?
> Am I brushing and flossing effectively?
> Are my teeth and gums healthy?
If you are uncomfortable asking your dentist questions, many health related
Web sites offer a place to anonymously post a question. The Academy's
SmileLine Online is a good place to start. This service gives patients
and consumers the opportunity to have their questions answered via the
Internet. SmileLine Online allows patients to post a question and have
it answered by a member dentist of the Academy. The AGD Web site also
serves as an ideal resource for consumer- related dental health information.
To post a question or browse dental health topics, visit the Academys
Web site at www.agd.org and click on the big red smile. back
