3 Things to Expect at Your First Dentist Appointment

Developing healthy dental habits takes more than just brushing and flossing every day. Seeing a dentist routinely can protect the health of your teeth and gums.

Once you’ve found a dentist you’re comfortable with and have scheduled your first appointment, you should call your insurance provider to see if there will be a copay or any fees due after your appointment.

Plan to arrive 15 minutes early to fill out the required paperwork about your health history.

Initially, a dental hygienist will greet you and prepare to clean your teeth and gums with a series of sterilized tools on a metal tray. They will floss, brush, and polish your teeth and give you mouthwash.

After that, dentist will come to take an X-ray, thoroughly check your teeth and gums, and also to discuss any treatment plans with you.

After your visit, you may experience some soreness, which can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medications.

Ideally, you should schedule a routine cleaning and exam every six months to prevent serious and painful problems from arising. Keep flossing and brushing your teeth daily to help maintain good habits that will make follow-up visits easy.

Building healthy dental habits is important at every stage of your life. From childhood to adulthood and even into your senior years, you should see a dentist regularly.

Specialized dentistry — for example, Hillhurst Denture, a denture clinic in Calgary that provides extensive oral healthcare for seniors offices — can cater to your specific needs.