What to Expect When You Return to the Dentist After a Long While

Life can get pretty busy and hectic for all of us. Combine that with budgetary constraints and dental-related anxiety, and it can be quite easy to neglect your routine dental care and, in turn, your smile’s wellness. However, if it’s been some time since your last checkup and you’ve finally gotten an appointment down on the calendar, you’re already back on track—but you might be wondering what to expect at the upcoming visit. Here’s what you need to know and how to prepare yourself.

What to Expect When You Arrive

Walking into the dental office means stepping into a judgment-free zone; the front desk will greet you warmly, and the team’s goal is for you to immediately feel at home and confident about the care you’ll be receiving. That said, your visit starts with a friendly discussion with your dentist. They will ask you about any symptoms you’ve noticed on your own, as well as what your goals are for your smile. This helps them tailor your visit and ensures you’re as comfortable as possible. If you’ve had a negative dental experience in the past, this is also when you can let them so—they’ll take measures to ensure it doesn’t happen again!

A Thorough Examination from Trained Eyes

Your dental team may also need to take X-rays if it’s been a very long time since you’ve visited, and they’ll need updates concerning your medical records. From there, they’ll also examine your mouth to determine if there are any concerning signs or symptoms that warrant treatment, and they’ll review their findings with you before any treatment plans are put together and performed. All of your teeth are checked, your bite is examined, and you’re even given a detailed look at the inside of your mouth on a nearby monitor!

A Detailed Cleaning Before You Leave

It’s also typical to receive a thorough dental cleaning, but it’s possible that this may be scheduled during a follow-up. This includes the removal of built-up plaque and tartar that your toothbrush at home cannot clear, as well as a supplemental fluoride treatment to provide your teeth with an added layer of protection. By the time you leave, you’ll either have received treatment or know exactly when you’ll be returning—and either way, you’ll feel great about having a sparkling, fresh smile.

No matter how long it’s been, your dentist is there to welcome you back and begin getting your teeth back in great shape—but it still falls on you to show up! Knowing what to expect and how to navigate the visit can make this much easier to manage.  

About the Practice

Under the leadership of Dr. Valerie Haughtington, Dr. Caleb Havlin, and Dr. Vidas Noreika, our team here at Edgewood Dental has tended to the dental needs of patients and families in Michigan City and the nearby communities for several years. We offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment solutions for children and adults alike. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our office to set up an appointment, please feel free to reach out online or call today for assistance. Telephone: (219) 898-4545.