Dental appointment checklist
Since the appointments are far between for most of us, we think it is important to get the most out of each appointment for your health, understanding and peace of mind.
Here is a checklist to help you gain the most from your dental appointment. See our first visit page for more details.
Questions
If you are having any pain, the obvious questions will not slip your mind. However, some questions possibly will. Make a list of questions to ask your dentist before your appointment, such as if you are flossing correctly or what are the symptoms for gum disease.
Take notes
A major part of dentistry is educating patients about healthy practices and warning you about various danger signs. Please don’t be shy to ask your dentist or hygienist to repeat themselves. You are the most important person at the appointment. If you don’t understand, we haven’t done our job properly.
Dentists do not expect you to remember everything, so feel free to take notes in your appointment.
Tell the truth
Admitting to your dentist when was the last time you had an appointment can be embarrassing for some patients. Many patients often feel guilty for not flossing as often as they should (if they floss at all). They end up compelled to hide the truth.
This applies to your diet, smoking and other factors that affect your health.
In every field, honesty is the best policy. Telling the truth will help your dentist make the best possible assessment of your oral health and how to go about your treatment.
Everything you tell our clinical team is confidential, so please feel that it is a safe space.
Relax
Anxiety usually kicks in a few days prior to an appointment with your dentist. This sometimes results in overbrushing the teeth. Maintaining your usual routine is perfectly adequate, as aggressive brushing can cause damage to gum and tooth enamel.
Share your dental history
If you are changing your dentist we can arrange to have your dental records sent over before your visits. We can only do this if you make the request. We do need to do this in advance using the Authorisation for release of dental record form.
This will really help your dentist gain a complete picture of your oral health, and will save you time and money.
Ticking off this checklist will most definitely help you achieve the best out of your dental appointments.
At Canberra Dental Care our dentists and hygienists make it their mission to deliver the best dental care possible.
Appointments can be made via our on line booking system. or by phoning during business hours.