Plan Your Visits
So it is time to see Dr. Mike, and you're not completely sure what to expect. Whether you are a new patient or have been seeing him for years, you have no idea what's lurking under your tooth enamel. Hopefully, you'll hear, "No cavities. See you in six months."
First of all, congratulations on making that appointment! Considering that only half of the population regularly visits the dentist you're one of the few who are taking your dental health into your own hands.
Dr. Mike understands that you want to stay on top of your health, so here are some suggestions to help make your dental appointment easier:
- Confirm the Appointment -- Start by verifying the appointment time 24 hours in advance. We try to remind you, but it's always a good idea to avoid mis-communications by checking in.
- Transfer Dental Records -- If you're a new patient, contact your old dental office and have your dental records sent to our office.
- Arrive Early -- Give yourself enough time to complete forms, get to know our staff and relax before your appointment. It's hard to feel comfortable in the dental chair when you're feeling rushed.
- Prepare Your Information -- When filling out the new patient information page, be prepared to provide your complete medical history and form of payment. If you're a current patient, provide us with any changes to your health, medications or dental insurance.
- Discuss Dental Problems -- Communicating with Dr. Mike about dental problems can help determine dental treatment. Write down any dental problems you've experienced over the past six months, even if they're dormant. That way you won't forget anything, and it may keep you from having to make an emergency appointment if they flare up again in the future.
Include such details as:
- When the pain started or ended
- Which area of the mouth you feel discomfort
- The level of pain you experience, and whether it comes and goes or is constant
- Any side effects, such as bleeding gums or swelling - Answer Questions Truthfully -- Give us details about your oral hygiene routine, including how often you brush and floss. We need to know about past dental problems and the last time you visited a dentist. Be honest -- disclosing this information is not meant to embarrass you, but to improve your dental health.
- Face Dental Anxiety -- Your first step in getting past dental anxiety is making the appointment. Once you've scheduled the visit, don't postpone it -- putting off your dental visit can cause dental problems to worsen. Don't be afraid to tell Dr. Mike about your fears. We can use a variety of methods to successfully treat fearful patients.
- Schedule Treatments Accordingly -- Most dental procedures last longer than regular dental exams, so be sure to schedule your appointment during a time that is convenient for you. Ask us how long the appointment will last and what to expect after the procedure. Following Dr. Mike's post-operative or post-treatment guidelines will help you avoid complications and make a full recovery.
Feeling prepared for your dental visit will allow you to put your mind at ease.
Of course, preparing for the dentist should happen on a daily basis. From the time you leave the dental office, you should already be preparing for your next visit. Either schedule your next appointment with the dental assistant before you walk out the door, or ask the office to send you a reminder so that you don't forget to call.
Remember, just because you may have another six months before your next dental visit, that doesn't mean you can take a vacation from your oral hygiene routine. Continue your daily oral hygiene regimen, and follow any advice your dentist or dental hygienist has given you regarding at-home dental care.
