How to Prepare

-    Get a good night's sleep.

•  If you're prone to dental anxiety, eat a high-protein snack and avoid caffeinated or sugary beverages on the day of your visit to help calm you.

•  Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing.  

•  Bring a list of medications (name and dosage), as well as the names of your recent and current health care practioners. Also, alert your dentist of any medical conditions you have been diagnosed with.

•  Discuss payment arrangements with the receptionist before your visit.   Making an advance arrangement can help reduce pre-visit related stress.

•  Be aware of exactly what your dental insurance covers.

What Happens during an exam?

•  Expect your dentist to perform a thorough exam, detect potential problems, and provide an appropriate treatment plan.

•  An initial exam may include some or all of the following: soft tissue exam; screening for periodontal diseases, and a detailed charting of cavities, existing restorations (fillings and crowns) and other tooth conditions, and an oral cancer screening.

•  Dental X-rays also may be taken to locate any abnormalities or injuries that cannot be detected through a visual exam.

Is it important to share a complete medical history?

•  Yes, even if you've seen the same dentist for years, report any changes in your mouth or medical conditions that have been recently diagnosed.

•  If you have a medical condition, such as heart-valve problems, recent total joint replacement, or insulin-dependent diabetes, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics before your dental visit to prevent the spread of bacteria.

•  If you are a cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy, it is important to inform your dentist about your condition. According to the National Institutes of Health, 40 percent of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy experience oral complications including salivary gland dysfunction, which leads to dry mouth, rampant tooth decay, and painful mouth sores.

Are routine visits necessary?

•  Yes. Make sure to get regular dental checkups at least every six months to maintain healthy teeth and gums  

•  Most important, achieving optimum oral health requires more than regular checkups; it requires you to be an informed patient and an active participant in your own health.

•  Ask your dentist questions about results from your checkup and any recommended treatment.  

•  Some other useful questions: What type of toothbrush and floss is best for me? Am I brushing and flossing effectively?   Are my teeth and gums healthy?

Reprinted with permission of Academy of General Dentistry “AGD Impact” magazine, March 2003.