Most people seek the services of a dentist only when they have a toothache. But if your teeth are already aching, that is likely an indication that it is already too late. A toothache due to cavities is not sudden; it begins mildly. Initially, there is black pigmentation of the tooth, later food particles, and various deposits, then sensitivity to cold and heat. The pain from the tooth is the last pointer that signifies that help needs to be sought. Keep yourself from reaching that point. Go to the dentist for a routine checkup.

Why visit a dentist?

Routine checkup: A simple visit to the dentist for a checkup will help you avoid unnecessary pain and spend a lot of cash. The dentists examine all parts of your mouth to ensure they do not note any abnormalities. Also, some general ailments such as diabetes, bone and joint disorders, etc., as well as oral cancer, are frequently diagnosed during a regular dental check-up.

Tooth pain: It is said that it is the second biggest pain that any human body can endure, and this is only next to childbirth pains. Toothache commonly begins at night time when one is asleep. It frequently implies that the decay and the germs in the oral cavity have penetrated the nerve and the vascular system of the tooth leading to irritation.

Jaw pain: If you often get a headache, your jaw is sore, or your tooth is too sensitive, you must see a dentist. Some headaches cannot be identified as being due to any other illness and are often discovered to be of dental origin.

This joint deals with the movement of the lower jaw and can be found on both sides below the external ear; it has a medical name known as the temporomandibular joint.

What Should I Do Once I Get There?

Once inside the lobby, find your way to the front reception, and you will meet our receptionists. They will hand you several forms to fill out, such as the medical history questionnaire and insurance.

While filling out these forms, ensure you have your dental insurance cards and lists of your current medications handy. While completing the medical history form, please inform us whether you are allergic to any material, such as latex or drugs.

After completing the forms, drop them off to our office staff. They will ensure all is well and even key in your latest details in the record book. We know that filling out the paperwork can be complicated, so please feel free to ask any staff member for assistance filling it out.

What Should I Expect During My First Appointment?

To ensure a comfortable first-time experience at Rockdale Dental & Orthodontics, our office does the following: Upon scheduling your first appointment, our office will take the essential background information, including the medical/dental history. Your new visit will then include –

Panoramic X-ray: This scan overviews your mouth’s soft and hard tissue. It only takes less than a minute to complete and minimizes the number of times our patients are exposed to radiation.

Bitewing X-rays: To supplement the panoramic X-ray, we have what we can call the bitewing or “cavity detection” that helps the doctors to have a view in between your back teeth. This is one of the areas most vulnerable to cavities because the percentage of softer milk teeth is high. Bitewing X-rays consist of two films on each side of the mouth.

Complete dental cleaning: Here, your dentist will polish and clean your teeth. If it has been a while since your last dental appointment, you may require a more thorough cleaning.

Complete full-mouth charting: An essential aspect of assessing and monitoring gum disease and other aspects of oral health is known as “attachment loss.” We need to know that your teeth have proper support for maximum oral and overall health.

Wrapping Up

We know visiting the dentist can be anxious, but we want to help! At Rockdale Dental, our goal is to make your visit with us as comfortable and efficient as possible. Our kind employees strive to make dental care services that will address your needs while minimizing paperwork assistance and gentle, individualized check-ups. In case of any issues or inquiries, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We would be pleased to offer more details on the treatment and what the appointment entails.