Part of having overall good health involves having good dental health. Seeing a dentist on a regular basis will allow you to get the treatments you need to have an enhanced aesthetic value and healthy smile. If you don’t have a dentist you see on a regular basis, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the procedures that will be conducted during an initial appointment with a new Dentist.
A Dentist will generally perform a more extensive inspection of your mouth during a first-time visit than subsequent visits. This comprehensive examination involves checking out your mouth and areas surrounding your mouth. It also entails a consultation about your medical and dental history. During both processes, it’s vital to be completely honest with your new dentist regarding all aspects of your health. This is the only way a dentist can properly evaluate your dental situation so a diagnosis can be formed.
During your consultation with your new dentist, tell him about any fears you have. Ask him about methods of pain control during this conversation. Also, let a dentist know if you have any current medical or dental problems. Even if you don’t think a particular problem is related to dental health, only a qualified dentist can make this assessment. In addition, inform the dentist about any medications you are taking and what you are taking each medication for. This will help prevent being prescribed the same medication twice such as antibiotics or pain killers.
After a consultation, a dentist will look at your mouth. He will also view your head and neck to look for signs of disease or other problems. Some of these signs include redness, swelling, dryness, and other abnormalities. Your dentist will also test the functionality of your temporomandubilar (jaw) joint by having you open your mouth all the way in addition to moving your lower jaw left to right.
Part of a comprehensive evaluation includes checking the soft and hard tissues of the mouth. This includes the gums, tongue, and top of the mouth. A dentist will also perform a clinical exam of your teeth to look for tooth decay. In addition, a dentist will look for any bite irregularities. X-rays may be ordered to better view the internal parts of your mouth. One such professional to see for treatments is Joseph A. Schell D.D.S. S.C.
