Scheduling a dental appointment every 6 months is essential to your overall health, but only 50% of people actually do. If you’re apprehensive about scheduling, here are some recommendations to make your visit as easy as possible.
- Make sure to confirm your dental appointment. Begin by confirming the appointment a day in advance. It is always a good thing to refrain from miscommunication. Many dental offices will leave you a live or automated message to remind you of your appointment.
- For new dental patients, contact your former dental office and request them to have your dental records transferred to your current dentist.
- It matters to have sufficient time to fill out the forms, get to know more about the dental staff, and feel comfortable and calm prior to your dental appointment. So, be sure to arrive early.
- When you’re completing the new patient information page, always be ready to provide your full medical history and mode of payment. It is essential to provide your dentist with any alterations to your dental insurance, medications, and general health.
- Assuredly, discussing with your dentist about dental problems can greatly aid in pointing out the appropriate dental treatment for you. Note down any dental issues you have encountered over the past 6 months, although these are inactive. You can include details like any adverse effects like swelling and bleeding gums, when the pain began or ended, the level of pain you encountered and whether it’s consistent or something that comes and goes, and which spot in the mouth you feel pain or some sort of discomfort.
- Provide complete details about your oral hygiene routine. Remember that you have to answer questions honestly so that your dentist will be aware more about your previous dental complications and when the last time you saw a dentist was.
Other Considerations
No matter how apprehensive you are when it comes to a dental appointment, do not put it off. Delaying dental visit will only worsen your dental state. It is alright to discuss with your dentist about your fears. The good news is that your dentist is capable of using different approaches to efficiently treat you in a more comfortable way.
Lastly, it is beneficial to schedule dental treatments correspondingly. Always be certain to schedule your dental appointment at your most convenient time. Take into consideration that a number of dental procedures may last longer compared to regular dental checkups.
You may consult your dentist about how long the procedure may take place and what you should expect after the procedure was performed. Make sure to adhere to your dentist’s post-treatment and post-operative guidelines as these will help you inhibit further problems and make a full recovery.
Preparing for a Dental Appointment with a PWD
Countless numbers of people live with some sort of disability. In fact, nearly 20 percent of the population does.
Additionally, there are different kinds of disabilities including developmental, physical, intellectual, mental, emotional, or a combination.
The life of people with disabilities can significantly differ, even their smallest actions such as maintaining good oral practices.
If you have a family member who suffers from a disability, it’s even more valuable for you concern about his or her dental health.
In truth, there are some disabilities that can impede the skills required to do even the simplest oral hygiene functions. In turn, this increases the likelihood of developing gum disease and tooth decay.
For instance, people suffering from an intellectual disability may not understand the significance of oral health. Thus, the strange sights and sounds of the dental clinic can cause stress and anxiety to them.
However, as oral health can greatly affect one’s general wellness, it is vital to keep track of the dental hygiene routines of patients with disabilities and stay on top of periodic dental visits.
Simple Steps to Prepare for a Dental Appointment with a Child with Special Needs
In choosing a dentist, select the one who accommodates patients with disabilities. A pediatric dentist may also be the right choice since they undergo special training in handling children.
There are many accredited dental schools at present that are dedicated to working with patients with special needs. Many of them provide care for people with disabilities in their regular dental clinics.
It is worth mentioning that preparation can help patients with disabilities get ready for the dental appointment. It is not advised for you to surprise them at the dental clinic or inform them at the last minute about the dental visit.
The Internet and visual aids from various books can provide the patient a clear idea of what it is like being in the Honolulu dentist’s clinic. These resources can help discuss to them what oral health, dentists, and the dental clinic are.
When choosing a dentist, it is helpful to figure out if the dental clinic has wheelchair accessibility and knows of a proper method for transferring the person with the disability to the dental chair.
Inform the dental office if your patient needs to be supported or restrained at the time of dental treatment.
In a few cases, a mouth prop can help keep the patient’s mouth open when they find it difficult to do it on their own. List any allergies when providing a medical history.
There are times when a dentist will consider sedation. An alternative form of anesthesia may be required; this allows the dentist to be able to provide the utmost care for your family member.
In serious cases, sedation dentistry is utilized to calm a patient down at the time of dental treatment.
You can also consider at-home care for a loved one with special needs.
To maintain good oral hygiene, you can make or possibly purchase special devices that can help them hold the toothbrush properly and firmly or an electric toothbrush. Also purchase dental floss, fluoride mouth rinse, and toothpaste. Lastly, provide them a diet that is low in sugar. With these tips, your loved one with special needs will have beautiful pearly whites.
