GOING BACK TO THE DENTIST
So, what’s the reason you haven’t been to the dentist in a few years? Maybe you don’t have insurance, a terrible experience, a lack of pain, not enough time, plus thousands other reasons. You are not alone, estimates show that one-fifth of Americans have not gone to the dentist in the last couple of years. However long it has been since you’ve visited the dentist, now is a great time to go. Begin with locating a dentist close to you in Crystal Lake, IL. DentalWorks – Crystal Lake takes new patients and our staff provides compassionate care for all our patients regardless of how long it has been since you had a dental exam and cleaning.
DENTOPHOBIA: FEAR OF THE DENTIST
Among the top reasons people don’t go to the dentist is fear or stress. Whether this is from a terrible experience or a different reason, our staff is able to help you deal with your dental anxieties. At DentalWorks – Crystal Lake, we provide different sedation methods to help you stay calm and comfortable through both regular visits and procedures. For anxiety or fear about getting a dental procedure, we generally recommend nitrous oxide (also called laughing gas) or oral-conscious medicine (a prescription sedative, such as Valium, that’s taken prior to your visit). Before you receive care, your dentist will schedule a visit for a consultation to decide whether you’re a candidate for sedation. Besides deciding whether you require sedation, your dentist will ascertain whether you’re able to safely get a method of sedation. Your dentist will need to know your health history, allergies, and any drugs you’re taking. This will allow them to determine which sedation is best. Before you go home, your dentist will tell you what to expect throughout your sedation, for example, if you can drive or if you should get a ride.
KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE YOU GO
Your appointment at the dentist in Crystal Lake, IL will most likely consist of three components — an oral health examination, a cleaning, plus your customized plan to prevent or treat concerns.
- ORAL HEALTH EXAMINATION
A dental examination is normally done at least one time per year. Throughout your examination, your team of dental professionals will assess your oral health.
- X-RAYS
Getting digital x-rays provide your dentist a comprehensive look at your teeth gums, and jaw. The majority of the time, x-rays will probably be needed to show areas of developing and existing concerns. X-rays may be snapped in a couple of minutes with a sensor positioned between your teeth. Your dentist might suggest an entire mouth set to look at your jaw and gums every couple of years. This only lasts a couple of minutes while you stand still as the camera moves around your head.
- SCREENING FOR ORAL CANCER
Among the most essential sections of a dental examination is screening for oral cancer. Those who use tobacco or have the human papilloma virus (HPV) are at greater risk for oral cancer, although everybody ought to be screened. In your screening, your dentist will examine your gums, tongue, and the tissue inside your mouth. Afterward, they will palpate your neck and jaw to check for lumps. While this generally only lasts a couple of minutes, early diagnosis of cancer is essential.
- SCREENING FOR GUM DISEASE
Throughout your examination, your dentist will evaluate your gums and look for signs of gum (periodontal) disease. Your team will measure your gum pockets, examine the condition of your gums, and check whether there’s any swelling. Inform your dentist if you have pain or if your gums bleed when you floss or brush.
- DEEP CLEANING
Although you’re ideally flossing and brushing your teeth two times each day in your home, you need a deep cleaning to eliminate stains and buildup.
- ELIMINATING BUILDUP
In case you have not visited the dentist for some time, you could have a substantial amount of tartar and plaque buildup on your teeth. Your hygienist will scrape away buildup utilizing special equipment. Good flossing and brushing at home in addition to regular appointments at your dentist can make this cleaning easier.
- POLISH
As soon as your teeth are free from buildup, a team member will polish your teeth. This will help to get rid of stains, which make your teeth dull. Speak with your hygienist if you would rather get small sections cleaned with breaks.
- FLUORIDE
Often suggested for children and patients who tends to get a lot of cavities, you might think about requesting a fluoride rinse once your teeth are clean. A fluoride treatment boosts the strength of your teeth, which may help stop decay, cavities, and other issues.
- PERSONALIZED PLAN
Once your dental examination and cleaning are finished, your dentist will speak with you about what you should do next. If you do not have any issues, they may talk about preventive treatments. If they do find an issue, your dentist will discuss your treatment choices.
- PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS
To continue to keep your teeth, gums, and jaw healthy, your dental team can show you correct techniques for flossing and brushing, help you build a great home dental hygiene regimen, suggest products that will help with your needs, and also schedule your next cleaning. If you have good oral health, DentalWorks – Crystal Lake performs cosmetic dentistry to improve the look of your smile with procedures like teeth whitening.
- PLANNING YOUR PROCEDURE
If you’ve got gum disease, a cavity, or a different issue, your dentist will review your treatment choices. When you’ve picked a procedure, your dentist will let you know how soon to schedule it. Some problems, such as a cavity, may be combined with your next visit. But when an issue is severe or giving you pain, then a treatment will have to be performed sooner. For certain treatments, your dentist may review sedation choices to help you stay comfortable.
MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT
It may be frightening to return to your dentist in case you have not visited in a while; however, our compassionate staff at DentalWorks – Crystal Lake will do whatever they can to help you feel relaxed and welcome. Our practice in Crystal Lake, IL utilizes modern methods and advanced equipment for a better, faster visit. If you are worried about visiting the dentist, inquire about sedation dentistry methods to aid with dental anxieties and fears.
