It’s advised that we see our dentist at least once every six months. However, many people go years without seeing their dentist. There could be many reasons why this is the case. Some people just don’t like seeing their dentist, others have a real fear. Whatever the reason, this article takes a look at what you should do if you’ve not seen your dentist for a while.
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You Might Need a Long Appointment
If it has been at least a few years since you saw your dentist you could need a longer appointment. This will ensure you can have a good clean and check-up. You might also need to go through your insurance details with your dentist. In addition to this, you might have to go through your medical history. This is just to see if you have any conditions which could affect the health of your teeth and gums.
You Could Need Treatment
If you are seeing your dentist because you need treatment, you should be prepared to have work done. You might need antibiotics if you have an infection. Alternatively, your dentist might recommend temporary treatment. This treatment should last until you can have more permanent treatment.
Do not worry, any full-service dental practice should be able to offer you all the treatment you need. This means you might not have to visit another dental practice any time soon.
Your Gums Could Start to Bleed
It’s likely that your gums could start to bleed after the dentist has cleaned your teeth. This is because your gums will be irritated after the deep clean. Do not worry, it’s perfectly normal for this to happen. It might take one to two days for the bleeding and irritation to subside.
If your gums are bleeding because you have gum disease, you could need treatment.
You Might Need a Thorough Oral Examination
If you have not seen the dentist for years, it’s likely that you will need to have a thorough oral examination. This is because the dentist will need to see how your teeth and gums are. In addition to this, they might also look out for some signs of oral cancer.
You could also have a few cavities, so they might want to discuss some treatment options with you.
Your Anxiety will be Understood
Dentists all over the world understand that a lot of people are anxious about seeing a dentist. It’s never a pleasant experience, but knowing that your dentist understands your feelings can make a difference. Some dentists will even put aside extra time to see people who are anxious about getting seen.
You can always ask your dentist for a longer appointment because of how you’re feeling.
If you’ve not seen your dentist for a while, do not worry. Your concerns can be heard. Your dentist will make sure that you have a healthy smile and your worries are dealt with. Think about making an appointment today.
