New Patient FormTaking care of your teeth is more than just brushing and flossing. It is important to visit your family dentist in Silver Spring, MD at least every six months for a regular checkup and professional cleaning. Your family dentist should be someone with whom you feel comfortable, and hopefully, he will be your dentist for years to come and for your family as it grows. A family dentist should be someone who has the latest technology, a dental staff who is friendly and can interact with children and adults of all ages in a professional manner.
On your first visit to your family dentist in Silver Spring, MD, the dental staff will have you complete a full health history. Each time to return, make sure to update any information to the dental staff so they can note the change on your chart. This is extremely important so that they can provide you with the safest visit possible. Certain medications that patients take can interfere with different procedures that require surgery such as cutting into your gums. Depending on the condition of your teeth and what stage of life you are in, here is what you can expect during most visits to your family dentist in Silver Spring, MD.
Thorough Cleaning
Six-month checkups always include a thorough cleaning by a dental hygienist. She will use special instruments and scrape along and below the gum line removing any built-up plaque and tartar. This prevents gum disease, cavities, bad breath and other problems. She will then polish and floss your teeth and will instruct you on proper oral care techniques that you should use at home. The dental hygienist may also recommend specific products such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes, and other products to help you in your home dental hygiene regimen.
Full Dental Examination
Your family dentist will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums and mouth looking for signs of disease or other problems. This provides you with the best oral health care possible by being able to identify and treat problems as soon as they appear. Coming every six months is the best way to take care of your health.
X-rays
Your dentist may recommend x-rays depending on your age. X-rays can diagnose problems such as damage to your jawbone, impacted wisdom teeth, abscesses, cysts or tumors and decay between your teeth.
After your first visit and if your teeth and gums are in good shape, you may not have to return for another six months. If you have a cavity or two, these will need further treatment, so a return visit will be required. Cavities should be scheduled as soon as possible, so they don’t get any worse.
Get in the habit of making your next appointment before leaving your family dentist in Silver Spring, MD. This way the time won’t creep up on so that when you do get around to making the appointment, you can’t get in to see your dentist for several months which puts you behind on your regular six-month checkups.