What to Expect during Your Next Dental Appointment
No matter how well you care for your teeth, it is difficult to maintain good oral health without regular care from a dental professional. It is recommended that patients have a dental exam and cleaning at least once every six months. Unfortunately, many people neglect to receive this professional care. For many people, this is because they have a fear of the dentist. Most of this fear stems from a fear of the unknown. At Drs. Craig and Marcy Goldin’s Troy cosmetic dentistry practice, we are always up front and honest with our patients so that they know exactly what to expect during each appointment. If you are in need of a dental exam and are wondering what is involved, read on to learn what our patients in Troy can expect at their dental exams.
Arriving for Your Dental Exam
Many of our patients are immediately put at ease when they arrive for a dental exam at the Cosmetic Dentistry Institute. That is because our office does not resemble a typical dentist's office. Instead of the medicinal smell you may expect from a dental office, our office has a pleasant scent that comes from the lemon scented towels we offer our patients. In addition, our patients can expect the following comforting amenities:
- Tea, coffee, or juice
- Stereo headphones
- TV and movies
- Blankets
- Neck pillows
- Body cushions
We want our patients to enjoy their experience here so that they will be happy to return for their next scheduled dental exam.
The Exam
When you have been made comfortable, your dental exam will begin. While each exam may be altered slightly to address the needs of each patient, the typical dental exam will consist of the following.
- X-rays: X-rays will usually be taken at the beginning of each dental exam. If this is your first dental exam you should expect to have a full set of x-rays taken. X-rays help our dentists detect any problems, especially those that may not be detected during a visual inspection of the teeth.
- Visual exam: During a visual exam, the dentist will check your teeth to look for any visible signs of decay or other dental problems. This exam will likely include the use of a laser or probing device. Your x-rays will also be examined and reviewed with you to discuss any potential problems that the dentist has detected. During the visual exam, the dentist will also examine the soft tissue of the gums and cheeks to look for any signs of oral cancer.
- Cleaning: At your exam, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned to remove any plaque or tartar from above and below the gum line. Once the teeth have been cleaned, they will be polished. During this portion of your exam, the dentist will likely go over proper brushing and flossing techniques that should be used to maximize your cleaning results at home.
- Treatment recommendations: If the dentist notices any dental problems, treatment recommendations will be made. For tooth decay we may suggest a treatment such as a dental filling or dental crown. For our patients in Troy, porcelain veneers and teeth whitening are some of the cosmetic treatments we have available.
Schedule an Appointment
A dental exam is a painless experience that can help you maintain your oral health and help you avoid the need for more costly, extensive dental work in the future. Do your smile a favor and schedule an appointment for a dental exam with Dr. Craig Goldin or Dr. Marcy Goldin at your earliest convenience. You’ll be glad you did!