When it comes to oral hygiene, the first thing that comes to mind for most people is brushing your teeth every single day. But visiting your dentist biannually for checkups and cleanings is just as important! That said, it might finally be that time of the year again when you are due back at your dentist’s office, but you’re not exactly looking forward to it and you don’t know what to expect. Here are four tips to help ensure that your next dental checkup goes smoothly.
1. Brush Beforehand
If you haven’t been practicing good oral hygiene habits, you won’t be able to fool your dentist by brushing and flossing directly before your appointment! That said, you should still brush your teeth prior to the visit, especially if you’ve recently eaten. This can reduce the amount of food particles on your teeth, making issues like tartar buildup and gum inflammation easier for your dentist to spot and treat.
2. Show Up on Time
This goes a long way no matter where you are or what you’re doing—being prompt matters! Your dentist is a very busy person and has many other patients to treat, so their time is valuable. Show them that you respect and appreciate their time by showing up on time (or earlier if possible). This also ensures that your dentist will be able to spend an adequate amount of time with your smile. Not to mention, many patients who show up early for dental visits also experience much less anxiety!
3. Ask Questions
Your dentist is the expert on oral healthcare and is knowledgeable about many topics, so don’t hesitate to ask them any questions you have concerning your smile. They will be happy to assist you however they can—but you must be as honest and informative as possible. There’s no reason to lie or hide anything! You should also let your dentist know if you’re experiencing dental-related anxiety and inquire about sedation dentistry.
4. Know Your Budget
Dental work is stressful for some people, and often, the financial implications don’t make things any easier! Consider figuring out your budget prior to your appointment, so you have one less thing to worry about at the end of your visit. If you have dental insurance benefits, be mindful of what treatments and procedures are covered and what you’ll have to pay out of pocket. Many offices and insurance plans offer some level of flexibility when it comes to payment, so try to find an option that works for you and get it sorted out before you sit down in the chair.
Your regular dental visits should not be a source of stress in your life—they should be something you feel confident about! That said, these tips can help to ensure that each visit is a smooth experience that has you feeling great about the state of your smile.
About the Practice
Indianapolis Family Dentistry proudly serves patients and families in the Indianapolis area under the leadership of Dr. Mark M. Farthing and Dr. Armin M. Tepner! Both Dr. Farthing and Dr. Tepner have several years of experience and expertise in a wide range of fields and their practice is pleased to offer several available services including preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry options. To schedule a visit, feel free to contact the practice online or by phone at (317) 898-3384.