Dentist Appointment: How To Prepare For Your Next One

If you have recently chosen a new dentist, and are about to go to the first appointment in the office, there are a few ways to prepare. You need to make sure you can maximize your time with your practitioner, which means you should take steps to get ready. Learn a few ways to prepare for your appointment.

Many dental offices verify insurance coverage before the first visit, but if yours does not; you should call and make sure your coverage is valid. You do not want to get several pricy procedures completed; only to find out your insurance is not accepted. When you offer your policy numbers over the phone when you make the appointment, you can be sure that your coverage will be accepted. You should also check your policy to make sure the procedures you think you need are completely, or at least partially, covered by your policy. If you are just going for a check-up or cleaning and are not yet sure of the treatment you need, you should at least check before you schedule further appointments, once your dentist lets you know what needs to be done.

Now that you know your treatment will be covered, you should think about any questions you want to ask your practitioner. You should write down a list if there are a few questions, since you may end up forgetting once you are in the office. You might have questions about how often you should floss, what the recommended brand of toothpaste is, and how to tell if you have a cavity, since these are just some common patient concerns. Just think of anything you have wondered about regarding dentistry, as your dentist is there to both provide treatment and make you feel comfortable by answering your questions.

Finally, just before the appointment, you should make sure you brush and floss extra thoroughly. It can be embarrassing to arrive at the dentist with bad breath or debris between your teeth since your mouth will be the entire focus of the visit. If you are coming straight from work or school after lunch, you can bring your toothbrush, or you may decide to only eat after the visit. Just make sure you are allowed to do so since some procedures require patients to avoid eating or drinking for several hours afterward.

You should be feeling better prepared to go to the dental office, but if you are still nervous, do not worry. Many people are anxious about getting dental work done. However, it is necessary, and you will likely feel a lot better after the visit.