According to the latest reports from the medical sector, an estimated 65 percent of Americans visit their dentists for yearly or six-month checkups as recommended. Another 35 percent admit they don’t regularly visit the dentist as often as they should. Those in the latter category cite several reasons for avoiding dental care. Some simply can’t afford it and don’t have insurance to cover the costs. Others, though, say they experience a certain amount of anxiety when they think of dental checkups and treatments.
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Knowing What to Expect at the Dentist’s Office
For many of the people who avoid going to the dentist because of anxiety, understanding what to expect during a visit can help alleviate the fear. From the beginning, searching for the Best Dentist In My Area can help to eliminate some of the anxiety. When you choose the best, you know you’re getting a higher level of care. At the same time, it’s important to know what might happen while you’re at the dentist’s office. Keep reading to get a general idea of some basic dental procedures.
Routine Exams and Cleanings
Routine exams are crucial for dental health. During a general exam, dental technicians will x-ray your teeth and jaw to determine your overall dental health. Those x-rays can show the dentist various issues with your teeth, gums, and jaw that might not be evident with a visual exam alone. They can be done in different ways. You may be asked to stand inside a frame with an x-ray device in your mouth while the technician takes the images. On the other hand, you may sit in a chair with a specialized device in your mouth while the x-rays are taken. Though the procedure isn’t always comfortable, it’s completely safe and painless.
After the x-rays, the dentist will discuss the results with you and recommend follow-up care to resolve any issues discovered. Teeth cleanings are also commonly performed during routine exams. This involves using specialized tools to scrape away buildup on the teeth. Dental technicians may also apply a solution to your teeth to remove stains. They’ll also use a specialized stream of water to remove bacteria and particles from between the teeth and around the gumline. More in-depth cleanings are sometimes needed for people who have a great deal of buildup on their teeth.
Other Dental Procedures
While x-rays and cleanings are common during exams, other procedures are available as well. If you have a broken or damaged tooth, you may need to have it extracted. This procedure usually begins with a local anesthetic being injected into the gums and the joint of the jaw. It won’t put you to sleep, but it will numb your mouth so you won’t feel any pain during the extraction.
The injection itself may sting a bit, but it’s nothing compared to the pain of a toothache. From there, the dentist will either pull the tooth or gently cut the gum tissue around the tooth to extract it surgically. You’ll feel a bit of pressure during the procedure, and the effects of the anesthetic will last for a few hours afterward.
Or if you have broken teeth, getting good quality dental crowns in raleigh is one of the things your dentist may suggest.
Visiting the Dentist with Confidence
Those are a few of the most common procedures performed in a dentist’s office. Knowing what to expect will help ease any anxiety you may be feeling about visiting your dentist. If you need any other treatments, the dentist will discuss the details with you. Don’t be shy about asking questions to further alleviate your concerns and learn what will happen during those procedures.
