What to Expect on Your First Visit to the Cosmetic Dentist
Regular dentist appointments may be a walk in the park for you, but you may be worried if it is your first time visiting a cosmetic dentist. The fear of the unknown might discourage many people from going to the dental office, but some aspects of the visit will be familiar. In this article, you will learn what to expect when you visit the cosmetic dentist for the first time.
The consultation process
During the consultation, patients can expect the staff at the dental office to ask several questions about their oral health and general wellbeing. Also, they may request access to dental records to know about the patient’s dental health history. By collecting the needed personal information, the cosmetic dentist can provide the most appropriate treatment based on the patient’s needs. The dentist will also listen to the patient’s concerns about their smile.
After the consultation, most of the first appointment will be spent determining the treatment options to undergo based on the current condition of the patient’s smile and previous dental procedures. The dentist will perform an evaluation to get a full overview of the patient’s oral health needs. Aspects of the visit will include:
- Taking dental X-rays or imaging procedures to get a picture of the underlying tooth structure
- Checking for presence or risk of tooth decay, root decay and gum disease
- Checking the state of bite alignment and the teeth for indications of bruxism
- Oral cancer evaluation
- Determining the need for dental restorations such as veneers or crowns
- Assessing the need for a fluoride treatment
Deciding cosmetic dental options
The next part of the cosmetic dental appointment is discussing how to improve the patient’s smile. Patients will need to share the goals that they have for their smile: whiter smile, well-aligned teeth, a less gummy smile or proportionate smile, for example. They can also check pictures to see what the potential outcome will be. The visit will involve choosing the cosmetic procedures to undergo and the order in which they will be performed if multiple treatments are necessary.
Cosmetic dental procedures sometimes take time and multiple dental visits, so patients need to ensure that they are satisfied with the treatment options recommended. If there are additional questions or concerns, patients need to clarify them before proceeding with the treatment. The dentist will be happy to go over the details to ensure that the patient understands what they are signing up for. Once the questions are sorted, the dentist will decide the treatment plan, and a follow-up appointment will be scheduled to begin the process.
Final note
Since most cosmetic procedures are not irreversible, patients need to take their time to determine the right treatment and work with the dentist’s recommendations. If you feel nervous about dental procedures, be sure to share those feelings with the cosmetic dentist. The professional team at the dental office will ensure that you get all the information you need and help you get on track to achieving the smile that you want.
Request an appointment here: https://buforddentist.com or call North Atlanta Center for Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry at (770) 932-1115 for an appointment in our Buford office.
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