Brushing and flossing your teeth are important for keeping your smile healthy; however, it is not the only care you need. It is also best to visit in your dentist in Haverhill twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. If it is time for your next appointment and you will be seeing a new dentist, you may be a little nervous about your upcoming visit. You have nothing to fear. When visiting a new location, there are several things you can expect during your appointment.
Dental and Medical History
When you walk into the dental office, you will be greeted by the welcoming staff at the front desk. They will ask you to fill out some paperwork to get all the information they need to bill your insurance company. In addition, you will be asked to provide information about your medical and dental history to give the dentist background knowledge to help create more personalized treatment plans.
Dental Cleaning
A friendly dental hygienist will perform a thorough cleaning to remove tartar accumulations in areas that have been missed with your home brushing and flossing routine. Special dental tools are used to clean below the gumline to reduce your risk for gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. Your teeth will be flossed and polished to leave you with a bright clean smile. In some cases, they may recommend preventive procedures, like a fluoride varnish to help combat tooth decay.
Full Examination
X-rays are taken to help give a complete picture to your dental health while your dentist performs a full examination. During the checkup, he will check the health of your teeth and gums, as well as your mouth to look for areas of concern, like lesions that may indicate oral cancer.
In addition to a visual examination, he will also evaluate the x-rays. This allows him to see potential issues that may be brewing beneath the surface, like infections, tumors, or issues with your jawbone. Your checkup will also include checking your bite and the temporomandibular joint, which connects the lower jaw to the skull.
Customized Treatment Plan
Based on the results of your examination, your dentist will create a personalized treatment plan that caters to your individual needs. In addition to treating any issues that may have been found, he will also discuss your oral hygiene routine and make recommendations for improvement to help you reach and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.
Visit Your Dentist Today!
If you are visiting a new dental office, you have nothing to fear. You will benefit from a comprehensive checkup and cleaning to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
About Dr. Karl Arakelian
Dr. Karl Arakelian is a trusted provider for personalized dental care in the community. When choosing his office, you will not find a cookie cutter practice. Instead, he caters to each patient to deliver individualized care while treating everyone like family. If you need a preventive appointment, choose the trusted dental team. Contact our office today to schedule your cleaning and checkup.