What to Expect at Your First Dental Appointment

Never dread going to the dentist again!

We believe that going to the dentist doesn’t have to be a drag. In fact, it can be fun. Sort of like going to the spa, but for your smile!

Are you wondering what to expect at the dentist? Continue reading so you know exactly what to expect at your first dental appointment–before, during, and after.

Is it your first time going to the dentist?

Or has it simply been a while since you had your teeth cleaned and checked over? No matter the circumstances, patients always want to know what’s going to happen and how the process goes.

At Macleod Trail Dental, you can expect a dental experience ahead of its time–one focused on your comfort and wellbeing above all else. Our goal is to provide a friendly environment where you can feel comfortable asking anything, all while enjoying the highest level of dental care.

What to Expect at the Dentist Explained in 4 Simple Steps

1. Fill Out Patient Information

The very first step to cleaner teeth? Complete a patient medical form.

After this, we look over your complete medical and dental history, as such factors can have a significant impact on your oral health, as well as other health conditions. Our goal is to get to know you as a person, not just a patient, to provide highly personalized dental services.

As part of the ‘getting to know you’ process, we take digital x-rays of your teeth to detect dental caries, tumors, and cysts, as well as for periodontal considerations such as bone loss. Plus, x-rays allow us to see the position of your teeth and subsequent roots.

2. Teeth Are Cleaned & Polished

After x-rays, one of our friendly, registered dental hygienists will perform a thorough examination of your gums and teeth. Their goal is to assess the current health of your mouth and look for signs of gum disease.

From there, it’s time to clean your teeth to perfection! A dental cleaning includes the removal of calculus (hardened plaque) which forms above and below the gum line. This plaque cannot be removed by simply brushing–no matter how hard you brush! Additionally, we remove the sticky, invisible film of plaque that forms over your teeth and can lead to peridontal disease.

In the last stage of cleaning, your teeth are polished and all the stains and remaining plaque are removed. The end result? A brighter, whiter and healthier smile!

At this point, our dental team can advise you on the best brushing and flossing techniques to maintain your oral health.

Is deep teeth cleaning uncomfortable?

Great care is taken to ensure there is little to no discomfort during or after deep teeth cleaning. Let us know if you experience tooth sensitivity, we have options to discuss with you. Our qualified hygienists are compassionate and emphatic. We pride ourselves on providing an open, non-judgmental space where you can discuss your dental concerns without worry.

3. Get to Know Your Teeth Better With A Complete Dental Report

The first thing you can expect after your deep teeth cleaning, is a detailed report of your overall dental health. One of our highly trained dentists will complete a thorough dental examination, including a physical exam with oral cancer screening, and a review of your x-rays.

After your check up, we take the time to discuss all findings with you. If there are any issues to address, we discuss different treatment options so you can make the best comprehensive decisions about your dental health.

4. Billing & Insurance

Our goal is always to make your dental experience as positive as possible, so we promise not to spring any surprises on you. After your first visit, we offer a clear and detailed estimate outlining the cost of treatment (if necessary). This includes a price quote for recommended treatments, along with the date for your follow-up appointment.

After your appointment, our friendly staff takes care of billing. If you have insurance coverage, we electronically submit the cost to your insurance company so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

We'll make your first visit to the dentist great!

We know what it’s like to put off going to the dentist. That’s why we created a comfortable, spa-like, patient-centred environment that is focused on disbanding dental woes. Our goal is to prove, once and for all, that going to the dentist can be a positive experience.

Our mission is to make you feel good through individualized and affordable treatments based on your specific needs and circumstances.

Have questions? Ready to book an appointment? Call us at 403-253-1248, email us at info@macleodtraildental.ca.

It’s time to treat yourself to good dental care.

Visit Macleod Trail Dental

Our dental office is designed to be comfortable and put you at ease! Check out our virtual tour to see just how welcoming our space is. We can’t wait to see you there!

FAQs

At Macleod Trail Dental, we do everything possible to prevent unexpected expenses. If you have any questions about the cost of your upcoming appointment, feel free to contact our office. You’ll receive a detailed estimate of treatment costs prior to your follow-up appointment. Plus, our staff takes care of billing and submits costs to your insurance company for you.

It’s never too early or too late to start looking after your dental health. Bring us any dental issues or off the wall questions. We become dentists to help people and that’s exactly what we strive to do: there are no judgments here! After all, we are human too—we understand slacking off on brushing and flossing or avoiding the dentist for years on end… stuff happens. We simply want to help get your oral health in check so you can enjoy a beautiful and confident smile for years to come.

Schedule a Consult with Dr. Jennifer Silver

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