Why do experts in the dental industry advocate annual visits to the Dentist in Richmond to have their teeth checked? The simple answer is also the most important – to prevent potential dental problems from developing. The best time to tackle dental issues is to prevent them from developing in the first place. With their professionally trained eyes and dental knowledge, our Dentist in Richmond at Sheen Dental can detect the early tell-tale signs that a patient’s gums needs attention, or that there is a build-up of tartar that needs to be scraped off.
Next to cleaning, another important reason to make that appointment with a Dentist in Richmond is to be screened for oral cancers. Dental problems are not just limited to tooth decay or tooth loss. There may be other concerning issues such as periodontal disease or jaw alignment problems that may be the cause of discomfort or eating difficulties. Our dental practitioner has the relevant experience treating an extensive range of dental concerns and will be able to outline a suitable treatment action-plan to bring back optimal oral health.
What to do on your next dental appointment
1. Have a list of questions ready
Preparations for the dental check-up should begin before the actual appointment. We ask our patients to be a bit more observant of changes that may have taken place in the mouth by examining teeth and gums, or recording any pain or discomfort. By compiling a list of questions or concerns beforehand, there is less chance that a patient might forget to address an important issue.
2. Update patient records and contact details
If there has been a change in health or medical history it is important to tell the dental practitioner, as certain medical conditions are known to impact dental health. The more information a dental practitioner has to draw on, the better they are able to prescribe the best treatment plan for effective results.
Also, if the physical address details, telephone numbers or the patient’s designated next of kin has changed, it is essential that we are informed so that our records are kept current.
3. Ask about ways to cope with dental anxiety
Patients are often surprised to learn that they are not alone in their fears about visiting the dentist. In fact, the issue is so prevalent that many dental clinics offer different approaches to deal with this type of phobia. If a patient has very intense feelings of fear or dread, call us and let us know so that our dentist can suggest ways that will help you cope better with phobias so as to receive the dental care needed.
Lastly, don’t leave the dental clinic without scheduling the next appointment date.
There is no getting away from the fact that a yearly dental check-up is a vital part of maintaining oral health. Let our dentists at Sheen Dental help you take good care of your dental health. Schedule that check-up appointment today by speaking to one of our friendly administrative team members.