What To Expect When You Haven’t Been To The Dentist In A Long Time

Extended Dental Cleaning:

If you haven't been to the dentist for quite some time now, you're going to need professional dental cleaning. Since you haven't been to the dentist for several years, you will likely have plaque buildup around your teeth. This is perfectly normal and is not something to be embarrassed about.

Plaque removal is generally painless, but if you're getting it done after a long time, you may experience some discomfort. It may also take longer than normal. However, you will notice how clean your mouth feels after the cleaning. Some bleeding may occur when the dental hygienist goes to floss your teeth. This happens because your gums are no longer used to the pressure of flossing between your teeth and gum line. You can prevent some bleeding by flossing regularly.

Thorough Dental Examination:

Once your teeth have been cleaned, the dentist will carefully examine them for any signs of cavities, gum disease, and potential problems that may have occurred. The dentist will likely ask about any general health concerns you may be having, as well as any current dental issues you’ve been experiencing.

The dentist will need to take a series of X-rays to ensure there aren't any underlying issues hiding out of sight. X-rays are the only ways to detect very small cavities or cracks in the teeth. They can catch problems long before patients realize they’re there, so they’re an important tool for dental health. At Fisher & Orfaly Dental Clinic in Salem, Massachusetts, we use digital X-rays which offer many benefits when compared to conventional X-rays.

Besides checking your X-rays, the dentist will also examine whether your teeth are aligned properly, check for loose fillings, and look at the condition of your gums. The dentist will also look for any signs of mouth cancer.

Detailed Discussion:

After examining your teeth and gums thoroughly, the dentist will discuss the next steps of your dental care with you. Sometimes, this conversation will only be recommendations for maintaining good dental hygiene. On the one hand, the dentist may recommend that you schedule a follow-up appointment if they need to perform a dental filling or more complex dental treatment.

Before leaving the dental practice, you should schedule an appointment for a checkup in six months, even though you don't have any current dental issues. Regular dental checkups and cleanings can help prevent tooth loss and oral health issues that can seriously affect your life.

At Fisher & Orfaly Dental Clinic, Salem, Massachusetts, our goal is to ensure that you understand everything that’s going on during your dental appointment and feel comfortable asking questions throughout the appointment. We’ll provide you with enough time to ask questions, voice any concerns, and discuss your treatments.

What Can You Do Before The Dental Appointment?

It’s not uncommon for people to experience anxiety when they visit the dentist for the first time after a long time. To reduce your anxiety, take these few proactive steps before your appointment:

• Brush and floss your teeth before the dental appointment.
• Avoid eating or drinking anything except water for at least a few hours before the appointment.
• Avoid smoking for a few hours before the appointment.
• Be prepared for an extended appointment.

Regular dental visits keep teeth healthy and prevent tooth loss. Good oral hygiene even helps overall physical health. And having nice clean teeth gives you a beautiful and healthy smile.

At Fisher & Orfaly Dental Clinic, Salem, Massachusetts, we understand that life happens and it can be difficult to keep up with your regular dental appointments. If you're visiting us after not seeing a dental professional for a long time, we will not judge you. We will do our utmost to ensure that the appointment runs smoothly and without any worries. Now that you’ve taken the leap and made the appointment when you haven’t been to the dentist in a long while, we highly recommend that you keep it up.