Do you need to schedule an appointment with the dentist but you aren’t quite sure where to start? Maybe your mom has always set it up for you or your spouse is the one that typically makes the call. Well, have no fear. Here is a simple step by step for going to the dentist.
Set/Confirm Appointment
You’ll first need to call and set up your appointment. Look up your dentist or find a dentist in the area that you would like to visit with and give their office a call. If you’re not sure who to go to then talk with your friends and find out where they go. You can even look at reviews online to get an idea of what a dental office will be like.
When you call the office know what your schedule looks like. You wouldn’t want to set up your dental appointment for a day that you already have plans. Let the receptionist know why you're coming in. If you have tooth pain that you need to get look at be sure to let them know.
Once your appointment has been set, make sure to put it on your calendar so you don’t forget about it. If you need to change your appointment for any reason you’ll want to do that a few days in advance. If you wait until the day off you’ll likely be charged a convenience for a late cancellation.
Get Ready
Even if you’re coming in for your regular cleaning make sure to give your mouth the attention it deserves before you sit down in the dental chair. Thoroughly brush and floss your teeth for your own sake, and for the sake of your dental hygienist. They’ll appreciate that you took the time to get your smile ready and it will help you to feel more confident about having someone look at every inch of your mouth.
Arrive Early
Just like a doctor appointment, you will want to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to complete medical forms and ensure that your insurance information and payment method are set up correctly. If this is your first time visiting this dental office bring your insurance card along with you so you’ll have the information that you need to complete the forms.
Also, if you are aware of any medical history that your dentist should be aware of, make sure you have that information ready. If you are currently taking any medication your dentist may need that information as well.
Come Prepared
Be ready to discuss with your dentist any oral problems that you may be having. If you are afraid that your gums may be receding talk with them about preventative measures. If you haven’t had your wisdom teeth removed yet then you might want to bring that up with them.
As you go through your appointment don’t hesitate to ask questions. When you dentists says something that you don’t understand than have them explain it to you. If they say you’ll need to come in for a follow-up appointment to take care of a problem that they found, get the details like how long will it take, what is the recovery time, and will my insurance cover it?
Next Appointment
As you head out the door make sure to schedule your next appointment. Regular dental cleanings should happen about every 6 months. Plaque build up can cause cavities if you don’t regularly have your thorough dental cleanings. Just drop by the receptionist on your way out to save yourself time and energy later when you realize it’s time for another appointment.
If you are in southeast Idaho and need to schedule a dentist appointment, give our office a call. Our friendly staff will make the process a breeze and we’ll help you through every step of the way.
