Visiting a dentist regularly for preventative care is vital for your oral health. While there is always a chance that you may need restorative or cosmetic dentistry in the future, it’s important that you have regular cleanings and exams throughout your life. Experts recommend this care at least twice a year. If you have had extensive dental treatment in the past, you may need a checkup every three months. If you rarely have cleanings or exams, you may be putting yourself at risk for larger, more expensive problems down the road. Routine visits will allow a professional to thoroughly clean your teeth and identify any areas of concern. This is the most effective way to achieve optimal oral health.
What to Do Before Your First Visit
If it’s your first visit to the dentist for a while, you may need a refresher on what to do before, during, and after your appointment. Here’s some information about what you can expect during a visit with BRAIDC.
Before your dental checkup with us, there are a few things we need you to do so we can prepare for your first visit:
- Be sure to bring information about your dental insurance so our staff can verify your information before you enter the office. This ensures there won’t be any surprises for you or us.
- We will also need you to request a record transfer from your prior dentist and/or provide your previous dentist’s contact information. It’s extremely important that we collect any dental radiographs or x-rays.
What to Bring to Your First Visit
Gather your health history information, including any medications you are taking (including over the counter medications or supplements) as well as your doctor’s contact information.
Let us know ahead of time if you have any medical concerns, like if you’re pregnant, have a heart condition, diabetes or if you are currently under the care of a specialist. Also, we know dental anxiety is very real, so let us know if there is anything we can do to make you feel more comfortable!
During Your Visit
We can’t stress enough the importance of regular dental cleaning appointments and exams. It’s important that you take this opportunity to ask us questions or mention any concerns that you may have with your oral health. Nothing is off limits!
Here’s What You Can Expect from BRAIDC – Your Local Beverly Dentist
First Visit
You can expect to spend about one hour with the doctor for updated dental radiographs (an imaging technique that allows us to examine the internal structure of your mouth), CBCT cone beam 3D imaging if required, a periodontal exam, which measures gingival pocket depth for optimal gum health, and a comprehensive dental exam. We will carefully inspect your mouth, face, neck, and jaw to rule out any issues. We also provide oral cancer screenings. Oral cancer is a major concern for all patients – so we make sure to rule it out! After all of the steps above have been completed, we will go over treatment plans for any issues that you’re experiencing.
Dental Cleaning or Periodontal Treatment
During this part of your first visit, tartar and plaque will be reduced as much as possible. We will fully review of periodontal status and perform a cavities risk assessment. Afterward, we will provide you with information as well as home care recommendations.
Our dentists are also available for consultations on very specific dental problems, even if you already have a general dentist and hygienist, so if you have any concerns please do not hesitate to reach out to us to schedule a consult!
On Your Way Out
Be sure to check out at the front desk and schedule your next visit with us. Depending on the treatment, this could be anywhere from three to six month later. For all of your needs before, during, and after your appointment, Dr. Lee and the team at BRAIDC are ready to help. We can’t wait to meet you!
To learn more about becoming a new patient, click here!