Has it been a year — or several — since your last cleaning? Does the idea of dental work give you anxiety?
Dentists like Dr. Shah are here to help you in all stages of your dental health journey. Whether you haven’t been to the dentist in one year or 20, here is some advice to make your return smoother.
Why Do Regular Dental Visits Matter?
First things first: Do you have to go to the dentist every year? What about visits to the dentist twice a year?
The short answer is yes.
Your semi-annual checkup is part of routine maintenance care to keep your mouth healthy. Regular checkups help spot problems early and make any potential issues easier and more affordable for treatment.
But if it’s been a while since your last visit, don’t be embarrassed.
A 2018 survey by the ADA found that only 58% of people polled saw their dentist once a year. And about 36% of people in the U.S. say they fear dental treatment.
A good dentist would rather see you, regardless of how long it’s been, than watch you lose teeth and bone to lack of care. At Pleasant Dental, Dr. Shah is here to help.
What Are Signs I Should See a Dentist?
Aside from the recommended semi-annual visits, look for these signs to know if it’s time to get checked out.
- Your teeth are sensitive to heat or cold.
- Your gums are swollen or bleed when you brush or floss.
- You have persistent bad breath.
- You have difficulty chewing or swallowing.
- Your mouth is often dry.
- You have pain or swelling in your mouth or face.
If you don’t have any of these symptoms, do you still need to see a dentist? Absolutely! Routine appointments will keep these symptoms at bay and ensure longevity in your dental and overall health.
Are you overdue for a cleaning?
Never say, “I haven’t been to the dentist in a long time” again!
Schedule Your Appointment!
What to Expect at a Dentist Appointment
Dental anxiety is very common, but when you know what to expect at an appointment, you can breathe easier. To start, your dentist or hygienist will ask general health questions, as medications and other factors can impact tooth health.
You will also want to make the dental team aware of any dental issues you have. A quick, full set of X-rays will follow. While X-rays typically aren’t required at every visit, or even every year, they’re an important part of your exam if you haven’t been to the dentist in a long time.
Your exam and cleaning will include removing any hardened plaque and tartar buildup. Then, the dentist will check your bite for proper alignment, inspect fillings for loosening, and examine your gums for signs of periodontal disease. They will also check your mouth for any signs of oral cancer.
A follow-up appointment may be needed based on the condition of your teeth, gums, and mouth.
Pleasant Dental’s Amenities for Your Comfort
Your comfort is important. That said, if years pass between cleanings, or your gums bleed when you brush, there can be mild bleeding or temporary discomfort during a cleaning.
Rest assured that any minimal discomfort you experience is only temporary. Plus, if you’re a patient of Pleasant Dental, you can ask about the amenities and options we provide to make your experience more comfortable — and pleasant.
What if I Can’t Afford to Go to the Dentist?
If you have dental insurance, look for a dentist in your network first, then check your out-of-network coverage for secondary options. Call your insurance company with any questions about the types of coverage they provide. Most dental offices offer in-house membership plans and/or financing options.
At Pleasant Dental, we accept a variety of insurance providers andfinancing with deferred interest and flexible monthly payments. We also work with CareCredit and other health care financing options to do so. Contact our friendly Finance Coordinator TODAY to find out how we can work with you.
Never say, “I haven’t been to the dentist in a long time” again!
Are you ready to take care of your teeth?
Even if you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, you can take the first steps toward a healthy mouth.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
“And one has to understand that braveness is not the absence of fear but rather the strength to keep on going forward despite the fear.”
— Paulo Coelho
