What to Expect at a New Patient Dental Exam

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Going to the dentist is probably not something you look forward to, and it can be even more intimidating if you decide to choose a new dentist. After all, you may not know a thing about the clinic you are going to or the dentist you will see. Well, the good news is that going to the dentist for a new patient exam can actually be a good experience, and it is something that will help you care for your teeth. Here are several things you should expect if you are going for a new patient dental exam.

You Will Get to Meet the Dentist

The first thing to understand about a new patient dental exam is that it allows you to meet a new dentist. Meeting a new dentist can help you determine if this is the right dentist for you, and you can always choose a different clinic if you decide that this dentist is not the right one for you. If you really like the dentist, though, you could continue going to this clinic for all your dental needs.

The Hygienist Will Complete a Series of Steps

During a new patient dental exam, the hygienist will likely complete a series of steps. The steps include the following.

  • Asking you questions about your overall health, including any medications you currently take
  • Taking x-rays of all your teeth, possibly including a panoramic x-ray of your entire upper and lower jaw
  • Cleaning your teeth to remove the plaque from them
  • Providing you with a fluoride treatment to strengthen the enamel on your teeth

After the hygienist completes these steps, the dentist will look at your mouth and the x-rays to determine if you need any dental work completed.

You Can Learn About the Health of Your Mouth

Once everything is complete, the dentist will explain any problems found in your mouth. If there are no problems, he or she will suggest returning in six months for another examination. If you have problems that require treatment, the dentist will suggest returning to have those problems fixed.

If you have skipped recent dental visits and would like to learn more about the health of your teeth, you should contact a family dentistry service to schedule a new patient dental exam. This is a great way to meet a new dentist and learn about the health of your mouth. To schedule an appointment, contact a clinic today.


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