What to Expect on Your First Visit to a dental office in Philadelphia – If you’ve never been to the dentist before or haven’t been to one since you were a small child, visiting the dentist can induce anxiety. Unfortunately, dentists have a reputation for causing pain – but this is undeserved and the result of Hollywood humor. Most dental visits are simple and painless. If you have a serious oral health condition, your dentist and oral hygienist will ensure that you are comfortable and address any pain you may experience. So, if Hollywood is wrong about the dentist, what can you expect on your first dental visit? 

Before Your Appointment

You can plan for a good dental appointment before you ever come into the office. Plan time off from work so that you don’t feel rushed or anxious. When you schedule your appointment at https://www.myabsolutesmile.com/contact/appointments/ be sure to let us know that it’s your first time so that we can let you know how long to plan for, follow any pre-appointment-instructions-we-provide and bring your dental insurance card, your ID to your appointment, and your payment method. It’s always a good idea to arrive early, even if you complete paperwork ahead of time, just in case we need any additional information. 

On the day of your appointment, there’s no need to do anything special as far as eating or drinking. Enjoy your normal meals, brush your teeth as usual, and, importantly, relax. It is a good idea to eat well enough before your appointment so that any nerves you feel don’t cause an upset stomach, and go ahead and brush your teeth after your meal. 

Your Visit

Your visit will begin with the dental hygienist, who will use gentle tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth. They may floss your teeth and provide a tooth polish as well. You shouldn’t experience pain during the cleaning; however, if you do, let your hygienist know. They can make adjustments and let the dentist know, as this could be a sign of other issues. 

If it’s been a year or more since a dental visit, you’ll receive x-rays of your mouth. This process is simple and involves holding the film in your mouth to capture the x-ray images. 

After your x-rays, the dentist will perform a thorough exam, checking each tooth and your gums. If you had brought up concerns when you came in, or if pain during the cleaning caused concern, your dentist will follow up on those concerns as part of the exam. 

Once your exam is done, your dentist will review everything with you and help you determine if you need treatment for anything. Your dentist will review your x-rays with you as well. If you don’t need further treatments, you’ll be advised to schedule another routine appointment, usually in 6 months. The dentist will discuss your needs and options if you need different treatments.

Are You Looking for a Dental Office in Philadelphia, PA?

If you’re looking for family or cosmetic dentistry in northeast Philadelphia, Absolute Smile is here for you. Contact us for an appointment for you and your whole family.