How to Prepare for a Dentist Appointment
So, you’re going to the dentist. Whether it’s for your bi-annual check-up, to get your teeth whitened, or you’re going because you have tooth pain, preparing for your dentist appointment can help you make the most of your time with the dentist and feel less anxious.
What are some of the best ways to prepare for your next dentist appointment in Asheville? Here are a few things you can do to get the most out of your visit.
First, Don’t Wait to Make an Appointment
If you need an exam or are aware of a problem with your smile, don’t wait to make an appointment. Putting off a dental visit increases the chances that you would need to seek emergency dental care, whether for a toothache, broken dental restoration, or sudden tooth sensitivity.
It’s best to make an appointment before you think you need one. Having an appointment scheduled weeks or months in advance can ensure you get the preventative care you need to reduce the chance of an emergency and keep your smile healthy.
Verify Insurance Details
The dental practice will ask about your insurance coverage when making your appointment. If you have dental insurance, they can confirm whether they accept the insurance and the amount of any co-pays or deductibles you may be required to pay.
Although your dentist will have these details, you should still bring your dental insurance card and any necessary identification or paperwork, such as a referral, to the appointment.
If you do not have dental insurance, let the office know and ask about any in-house plans they offer or discounts so you can get the care you need at an affordable price.
Confirm the Details
Your dental practice should confirm your appointment a day or two before, so don’t miss this confirmation. If you don’t get a confirmation, call the office to confirm your appointment and ensure you are still on the schedule.
If you haven’t been to the dental office before, make sure you know the name of the practice and the location. This will help you adequately plan your trip to ensure you leave on time to account for traffic and other potential delays so you can arrive on schedule for your appointment.
Notify Your Dentist of Any Accommodations You May Need
If you require any accommodations for your appointment, let your dentist know. For example, if you use a walking aid or a wheelchair, ask your dentist if their practice will be accessible. You may also require assistance with dental anxiety or language, so ask your dentist about these accommodations as well before coming in for your appointment.
Bring a List of Medications and Health History
Your dentist will need to know what medications you are taking and any significant health history you may have if this is your first visit with them. For example, your dentist will need to know if you have health concerns that may affect your dental treatment, such as diabetes or heart disease.
It’s also a good idea to notify your dentist of any recent medical procedures you may have had or any future procedures you may have planned.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan on becoming pregnant in the near future, tell your dentist so they can ensure the care you receive is safe for you and your little one. Most dental treatments are safe to receive during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Get There a Few Minutes Early
While you don’t need to arrive a half hour before your appointment, it’s a good idea to try and get there at least 10-15 minutes early, especially if this is your first appointment at this dental practice.
New patients often have paperwork to complete prior to their appointment. When making or confirming your appointment, ask your dentist if you need to arrive any earlier, such as for procedures that may require sedation.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Whether you’re going to the dentist for a simple teeth cleaning or a root canal, it’s a good idea to wear comfortable clothing. Doing so will allow you to remain comfortable and relaxed during the appointment.
You may also want to avoid wearing neck or ear jewelry, as you will need to remove any jewelry to get dental X-rays. You can always put your jewelry back on after the appointment if you still wish to wear earrings or necklaces.
Be Ready to Ask Questions and Take Notes
One of the most important things you can do to be prepared for your dentist appointment is to think of any questions you may have beforehand. You can write these down or take notes in your phone to ask your oral healthcare provider during your appointment.
You can also take notes during the appointment so you can refer back to them later. This is especially helpful if you have an oral health condition that requires additional treatment or referral to a specialist so you can better understand your treatment plan or call the dentist with any further questions you may have.
Your dentist is your partner in oral health, so don’t be afraid to ask questions to better understand how to take the best care of your smile and follow up with any treatment or home care recommendations.
When Should You Schedule a Dentist Appointment?
Ideally, adults and children should see their dentist in Asheville every six months for a check-up and professional teeth cleaning. However, every patient is unique, so some patients may need to come in more often to prevent oral health problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. Your dentist will let you know how often you need to come in to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Schedule an Appointment With Us
Saunders DDS sees both adults and children to provide comprehensive dental care in Asheville. Contact us today to book an appointment and ensure your smile is healthy. Call us at (828) 277-6060 or reach us online using our contact form. We look forward to helping you keep your entire family’s oral health in tip-top shape!