What You Need to Know About Your First Dental Exam At Heroes Dental

2018 is here and now is the perfect time to get started with taking care of your health – including your oral health. If it has been some time since you last visited the dentist, Heroes Dental is here to help you start off the new year on the right foot.

If it’s been some time since you last visited the dentist and you’re feeling a bit nervous, that’s absolutely normal! Our dentists, hygienist, and Heroes Dental team are all trained to make sure you have the most comfortable, pleasant experience possible. Whether you’re new to town or visiting Heroes Dental for the first time in years, you should expect the following at your first dental exam with us:

What To Do Before You Arrive

If you are new to the area or are looking to switch from a general dentist to one of ours, check out our website for the closest Heroes Dental location near your home. We have our address and phone number listed there for your convenience as well.

Once you’ve got our number, don’t be a stranger! Reach out to us for any questions or concerns you may have about our dental examinations. Our receptionists would love to speak with you about how Heroes Dental can help bring out your best smile. While you have us on the line, ask if we participate in your health plan, and don’t forget to review any fees and payment options we have too.

Lastly, if the dentist chair gives you or your child anxiety, share your concerns with our dentist or hygienist. They may be able to make adjustments in your treatment to help you feel more comfortable.

The greatest number of children making their first dental visit were between the ages of 3 and 6. #NIH #HeroesDental Click To Tweet

When You First Show Up

Once you arrive, there is plenty to do before you take a seat in the dentist chair.

First, you’ll check in with our receptionists, where you may need to fill out some paperwork in our comfortable, heroically inspired lobby. After a few minutes, you (or your child) will be called in.

From there, our experienced Heroes Dental dentists and hygienists will evaluate several things about your oral health and hygiene:

1. Examine the mouth for any risk of tooth decay, root decay, and any gum or bone disease.
2. Look to see if you need any particular type of tooth restoration or replacements.
3. Check your bite and jaw for any problems.
4. The hygienist will remove stains or deposits from your teeth with our gentle cleaning techniques.
5. Discuss dietary recommendations that decrease the chances of tooth decay and bone loss.
6. Assess for any fluoride needs.
7. Take dental x-rays, if necessary.

While it may all seem like a lot to do, the entire procedure doesn’t take too long to perform, and you’ll soon be leaving with your smile shining brighter than it has been in some time.

While we understand that the word “x-ray” may cause a little bit of worry, sometimes a panoramic view of your teeth is necessary in order to see any crowns, bone decay, tooth decay, or for any under or overbites. If you are still worried about the exposure to radiation, which is very low, speak with our dentist with any of your concerns.

Also, have any medical information handy. Your dentist and/or dental hygienist will ask if you have any particular health conditions, take any medications, or have any allergies that could affect the examination and future treatment. Health conditions like diabetes can increase the risk of gum disease. As for medication, if it causes dry mouth, that can also increase the risk of tooth decay.

The Other Benefits of a Dental Exam

One of the greatest benefits of visiting Heroes Dental is that it provides us the opportunity to examine for any potential signs of oral cancer. An inspection normally focuses on the underside of the jaw, the sides, the neck, the sides of the tongue, the roof and floor of your mouth, and the inside of the lips and cheeks.

Although it may be rare for younger children and teens to develop mouth cancer, it is always a good idea to get your family checked regardless.

Ask any orthodontist near you, and they will tell you that dental examinations are also a great way to get dental impressions needed to construct aligners, have your bite evaluated, make a mouthguard, or to make bleach trays.

According to @AmericanCancer over 51k people may develop oral cancers in 2018. Make an appointment for a dental exam today #HeroesDental Click To Tweet

After All Is Said and Done

After the dental exam is finished, your Heroes Dental dentist will discuss with you their findings and recommend any type of preventative measures you can take to improve your oral health.

Finally, a follow-up visitation with Heroes Dental should be scheduled to monitor and treat any ongoing oral concerns you may have. Your information will be secure with us and on record, so you don’t have to repeat the “getting to know you” process all over again.

Heroes Dental makes dental exams so easy that you’ll actually enjoy visiting the dentist, not fear it.

Comfort is our utmost priority when it comes to earning you and your family’s trust. Come see why we are the best family dentistry in south Texas – from Laredo to Edinburg – that will brighten, enhance, treat, and maintain your family’s smiles.

Contact us at any one of our many locations near you and schedule your appointment today.