A visit to your dentist in Alexandria is a pretty easy thing to check off your to-do list. But did you know that there are things you can do prior to your visit to make the process even easier? In this week’s blog, we provide you with a free checklist that you can use to make sure you’re prepared for your dental appointment.
Appointment Confirmation
Many dental offices will send a pre-appointment reminder to you via text or email or call you directly to confirm your appointment. However, if your dental office doesn’t provide this service, you should confirm your appointment 24-hours in advance. These reminders not only help keep your appointment on schedule, so your dental team is able to be courteous of your time, but they’re also a great way to remove any chance of miscommunication.
Know Your Medical History
Whether you’re visiting a new dentist in Alexandria for the first time or you’ve been going to the same place for years, make sure you know your medical history as well as any changes that may have happened since your last visit. Things to remember include, new medications along with dosage, a new diagnosis or changes to overall health, and of course any concerns you may have with your dental health.
Be Ready To Share
If you have any concerns about your oral health that you want to discuss with your dentist, make sure to be ready to share those concerns. The more specific you can be, the better. Consider things such as:
- If there’s pain and when it started
- The level of discomfort and where you feel it
- Any signs that worry you including bleeding or swollen gums
- If you’re unhappy with your smile and ideally what you would like to change
Being open and honest with your dental team will help make sure your appointment is catered just to you and your concerns or desires.
Look Six Months Ahead
Most people will see the dentist every six months, and you should be prepared to schedule your next appointment at the end of your first visit. Take a quick look at your schedule six months down the road so you know what you may need to avoid. Coming in with dates in mind will help make sure you’re appointment remains on the schedule and you can be seen when you want to be seen.
However, even though you’ll be set to see your dentist again in six short months, you should always continue to do your part in between appointments to keep your teeth and mouth healthy. Make sure to brush and floss regularly, take it easy on the acidic and sugary foods, and don’t smoke or use tobacco.
If you’re overdue for a dental appointment, call our Alexandria dental office to schedule one today. We’ll be happy to see you!
Welcoming patients from Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and nearby areas.
