Everything to Know Before Your First Dental Checkup

Dental checkups can cause some to experience anxiety, whether due to never undergoing one or it being a while since their last one. However, routine visits are relatively painless and straightforward. Here are some things to know before undergoing a dental checkup.

Dental checkups can take 45 minutes to an hour

A dental checkup can take anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes. Therefore, we strongly encourage patients to plan accordingly, whether it is making appropriate arrangements with their school or job. This way, there are no extra nerves surrounding the appointment running overtime. However, timing can still vary depending on the hustle and bustle of the practice during the patient's appointment time. If it seems busy upon arrival, patients can ask a front office team member about a tentative time frame for their appointment.

Review current dental insurance

Though not much preparation is necessary for a dental checkup, patients should brush up on the specifics of their dental insurance. We encourage patients to call ahead of time to learn if we accept their provider. However, they may also want to consult their insurance provider to learn what services are covered and to what magnitude. Do not stop at cleanings. Learn what preventative and corrective services the provider covers for future reference.

What to expect during the dental checkup

Patients can expect to undergo their first appointment in phases. They will go as follows:

Check-in

We ask that patients arrive at least 15 minutes before their appointment to fill out the necessary paperwork. If necessary, our office team members can help guide them through the paperwork to ensure everything is correct.

Imaging

After checking in, a dental assistant ushers the patient into a small X-ray room. They fit the patient with a lead shield or apron to protect them from radiation. Next, the dental assistant provides the patient with a sterilized bitewing to bite down on while the machine takes various images of the mouth at different angles.

Physical examination

While waiting for the general dentist or dental hygienist, the dental assistant may take the patient's vitals, which include blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate. They may also review necessary information not included in the paperwork completed during check-in.

When the general dentist or dental hygienist arrives, they will perform a physical examination to check for abnormalities, such as fractures, disease, or decay. They will also review the X-rays and the notes taken by the dental assistant.

Dental cleaning

Dental hygienists primarily perform dental cleanings. They are typically painless unless the patient has a tooth whose root or pulp chamber is vulnerable. In that case, they will take great care when moving over the area. After removing plaque and tartar (hardened plaque), flossing, and applying an oral rinse, the dental hygienist may ask the patient if they want to include a fluoride treatment—an enamel strengthener.

Education and recommendations

This phase may be combined with other phases on this list or performed at the end. If necessary, the dental hygienist or general dentist may recommend corrective services, such as fillings, crowns, or gum disease treatment. These services will not be performed during the dental checkup, as they each require patient approval and have their own equipment and time restraints. If no corrective services are necessary, most follow-up appointments are scheduled six months later.