Your first dental checkup as an adult should not look all that different from those received as a child. Still, it is normal to be nervous or concerned if it has been a while since your last visit, particularly if there have been changes in dental health or insurance coverage. Knowing what to bring can help you feel better prepared and confident before the appointment.
A dental checkup comprises an oral examination and a teeth cleaning. The oral exam involves looking at the overall health of the mouth, such as looking for signs of cavities, oral cancer, and other oral health issues. Patients are encouraged to inform the dentist of any painful areas, as the dentist can examine that area with more attention and care. For the clearest view, the dentist will perform the oral exam after the teeth cleaning, during which the dental hygienist will scale plaque and tartar buildup off the teeth and then polish them.
A general dentist periodically recommends taking dental X-rays at the beginning of a dental checkup to ensure no issues are hiding beneath the gum line. According to the American Dental Association, X-rays are completely safe. For most patients, the oral exam, dental cleaning, and dental X-rays will take less than an hour.
As you can see, a dental checkup for adults is essentially the same process as it is for children. That said, underpreparing can lead to hiccups. To help your first dental checkup as an adult go smoothly, here is what to bring:
When checking in for the appointment, the front office staff will ask for a government-issued form of identification and proof of insurance. For most, this is as easy as bringing a driver’s license and insurance card. However, some insurance companies do not provide dental coverage cards. In these situations, most dental offices can verify patient insurance through the insurance provider’s name, the policyholder’s name, and the policyholder’s date of birth. Keep in mind that if the patient is on their spouse’s insurance, the spouse would be considered the policyholder.
Patients switching dentists should bring medical and dental records to their first dental checkup. This can help them avoid taking dental X-rays before they are due. It also gives the general dentist and their team a clearer picture of the patient’s overall health, informing them of whether they need to take extra care to look for signs of oral cancer or diabetes. While they do not treat or diagnose these issues, general dentists can identify the signs and refer the patient to a specialist.
As mentioned, tell the general dentist of any potential oral health problems. It can help to bring a list so that the patient remembers to discuss them. Examples include tooth pains, chips in the enamel, and tooth sensitivity.
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