It is not uncommon for people to shutter when they see that notification on their phone telling them their dentist appointment is approaching. That’s why your dentist in NE Calgary is here to help. We take the time to understand your specific oral health needs and strive to alleviate your anxiety by making your experience relaxed and comfortable! The team at Falconridge Dental has some tips and advice to help you be prepared for your upcoming dental check-up and future oral self-care.
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Confirm the Appointment Date & Time
It is never a bad idea to reach out to your dentist in NE Calgary (587-352-2777 /[email protected]) to confirm you are coming in for your visit, or anytime you feel unsure of the correct time of your appointment. We recommend calling our office at least 24 hours in advance for your convenience as well as to ensure we are able to answer any questions you may have.
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Payment Arrangements
It is a great idea to plan out in advance how payment will occur sometime before your appointment. Are you paying out of pocket or is insurance covering the cost of your treatment? We understand that covering payment without insurance can be costly, which is why our dental clinic near you offers direct billing for your convenience as well as flexible payment plans for more complex treatments.
Let the appointment be solely about your oral health rather than the cost, and focus on receiving a quality dental cleaning in NE Calgary.
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Keep Them Clean!
“Why should I clean my teeth if I am going to get them cleaned anyway?”
Well, there is no better way for a dental professional to determine the effectiveness of your oral hygiene practices than to see how well you maintain your smile when you’re not in for a cleaning or check-up. Your daily oral hygiene routine plays a big role in promoting and determining a patient’s overall oral health and wellness.
We also advise NO COFFEE or ENERGY DRINKS before a dental checkup near you. Those drinks are often very acidic. Adding an acidic layer to your teeth is not helpful for the dentist because it adds more to cleaning and it has a negative effect on your teeth’s enamel. It can also make you jittery in the dentist’s chair.
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Review Your Medical History
Up-to-date dental and medical history is vital for determining the entire scope of your oral health. From things that cause dry mouth (prescription drugs) to things that thin your blood (medications, dietary supplements) to something as seemingly unrelated as diabetes can affect the well-being of your gums and teeth.
If this is your first visit to a family dentist near you, prior and current medical records give us the best idea of what to expect during your appointment and allow us to give you personalized dental care. If you are a returning patient, please update us with any information that may have changed or come to light since your previous dental checkup in NE Calgary.
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Make a List of Concerns or Questions
Be it continuous or new, if you have concerns that have yet to be examined, please inform us of any issues you have, including (but not limited to):
- Bleeding during brushing
- Sensitivity
- Pain
- Sores
- Jaw-clenching
- Teeth-grinding
- General obstacles in oral hygiene (hard-to-floss areas caused by a jagged tooth, arthritis or other medical issues making it physically difficult to perform oral hygiene practices.)
Even if you are not suffering from specific ailments, we at your neighbourhood dental clinic in NE Calgary are always happy to answer any questions you have during your check-ups.
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Keep Up with Your Oral Hygiene Routine
The classic rule of thumb is to brush with a fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes twice a day, floss daily and change your toothbrush every 3 – 4 months. Mouthwash can be helpful to prevent cavities and tooth sensitivity, as well as freshen your breath.
That being said, the dental world is constantly creating new products that make oral hygiene easier and more effective, so if you have no questions, one you can always ask is, “What can I do to improve my oral health?”
FAQ
1. How often do I need a dental check-up?
No matter your age, dental check-ups are crucial to maintaining oral health. A dental check-up every six months allows patients to receive the professional care they need for their teeth.
2. What if I haven’t been to the dentist in a long time?
Do not worry if you are a bit due for a dental check-up. A cleaning may have to be spread across two appointments.
3. How can I communicate effectively with my dentist during the check-up?
Arriving prepared with a list of concerns and a medical history, as highlighted in points 4 and 5, is huge. Being direct with the dentist about what is going on and what you want to have done is always helpful.
Asking for clarification and even attempting to summarize what you heard back to the dentist or hygienist helps with your understanding, and either lets them know you understand or opens up more space for clarification.
If you are looking to receive a dental cleaning near you, our Northeast Calgary dental clinic is happy to help new patients and looks forward to treating your smile!
Trips to the dentist can feel scary for some, and that’s okay. By confirming your appointment, having a payment plan arranged, keeping those pearls clean, reviewing your history, providing us with concerns and keeping up with your oral hygiene, we can help make sure your oral health is the best it can be.