How to Get the Most Out of Your Dental Visit
Regular dental checkups from our Apex, NC dentist are essential for maintaining optimal oral health. It’s important to make these visits a top priority and get everything you can out of them. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your next dental visit.
- Write down a list of concerns
If you have any concerns about your dental health, your next dental visit is the perfect place to bring them up. For example, you might experience sensitivity when you eat cold foods or bleeding when you brush your teeth. Your dentist may have helpful suggestions for these problems. Write down your concerns on a notepad so that you don’t forget them.
- List your current medications
If you have started taking new medication, it is a good idea to let your dentist know at your next appointment. Certain medications can affect your oral health. For instance, blood pressure medication can cause dry mouth, which can make you more susceptible to cavities and gum disease. The best dentist in Apex, NC can advise you on what to do.
- Be honest about dental anxiety
Many people get anxious about seeing the dentist, but may be too embarrassed to express their concerns. Don’t be afraid to discuss your anxiety with your dentist. It is likely that your dentist has treated many other patients with dental anxiety. He or she can make the necessary accommodations to help you feel more comfortable.
- Inform your dentist about any medical conditions
Certain health conditions can affect your oral health. For example, uncontrolled diabetes can increase the risk of gum disease. That’s why it’s important to let your dentist know about all of your medical attention.
- Ask how you can improve your dental health
It’s never too late to improve the health of your teeth and gums. During your next dental checkup, ask your dentist what you can do to step up your oral hygiene routine. Your dentist may have some great suggestions, such as switching to an electric toothbrush or avoiding snapping your floss between your teeth.
- Ask for clarifications
If you don’t understand something your dentist tells you, don’t be afraid to speak up. Whether it is related to a dental treatment or how you can take care of your teeth and gums at home, there is nothing wrong with asking for clarification.
Talk With Your Dentist Today
Talking helps overcome dental anxiety. Open communication and expectation setting can help to lower your stress levels. If you need your dentist to keep you informed of what’s being done and how much longer it’s going to take, make sure you ask him or her to share these things. Alliance Dentistry treats patients daily who are none too excited about sitting in the dental chair, and has the right tools and training to ensure you’re comfortable and at ease.
Also, if you’re in the chair having work done, it’s perfectly fine to signal the dental team to let them know you want to stop and take a break. Many people are uncomfortable with the lack of control they have while in the dental chair. Knowing you can signal a stop or pause in the procedure can help you regain some control. Consequently, remember to alert your Apex, NC dentist if you need to take a timeout for a few minutes. Contact Alliance Dentistry today to schedule your appointment.