10 Things to expect if you haven’t been to the dentist for a while

10 Things to expect if you haven’t been to the dentist for a while

If you haven’t been to the dentist for a while, here are ten things you might expect during your visit.

1. Thorough examination

The first thing you can expect at your dental check-up, if you haven’t been for a while, is a thorough examination from your dentist.

The dentist will visually inspect the teeth and gums for signs of cavities, such as dark spots or holes. They may use a small probe to gently check for softness or decay in the tooth structure.

To assess gum health, the dentist will measure pocket depths around each tooth to detect gum disease and examine for bleeding or inflammation. X-rays might be used to uncover issues beneath the surface, such as bone loss or hidden cavities. This comprehensive approach helps identify and address oral health problems effectively, which you’ll need if you haven’t been for a while.

2. X-rays

Dentists use X-rays during dental check-ups to reveal problems not visible during a visual examination, such as cavities between teeth, bone loss, or issues below the gum line.

X-rays help detect hidden decay, assess the jawbone health, and plan treatments like fillings or implants. The amount of radiation from dental X-rays is minimal, often equivalent to the exposure from a few days of natural background radiation. Modern X-ray machines and protective measures, such as lead aprons, further minimise any risk.

You may have even heard that an X-ray has the same amount of radiation as 2 – 30 bananas, depending on where you’ve heard it. But essentially, you don’t need to worry about the radiation from one X-ray of your teeth. The benefits of early detection and accurate diagnosis far outweigh the very small radiation exposure involved.

3. Cleaning

If you haven’t seen the dentist for a while, you’ll likely need your teeth cleaned, as it’s perfectly normal to miss some hard-to-reach areas when brushing.

A thorough dental cleaning involves several key steps to ensure optimal oral health. First, a dentist will use specialised tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and gum line, a process known as scaling. This helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

Then, a polishing step is performed to smooth the tooth surfaces and remove any remaining stains, giving teeth a clean, shiny appearance and stopping plaque from building up so easily. Finally, the hygienist will advise on brushing and flossing techniques to maintain oral health between visits.

4. Gum health evaluation

It’s not just your teeth that your dentist cares about, but your oral health as a whole, and in particular, your gums.

A dentist checks your gum health using periodontal probing to check the gum pocket depth. Healthy pockets are 1-3 millimetres deep, while deeper pockets may indicate gum disease. Dentists also look for signs of redness, swelling, bleeding, and tissue firmness, as well as abnormalities like gum recession.

Gum disease, especially in its early stages (gingivitis), often goes unnoticed due to mild or absent symptoms. Without treatment, it can progress to periodontitis, causing gum bleeding, bad breath, and tooth mobility. By then, significant damage may have occurred. Regular dental check-ups are essential for early detection and prevention, ensuring gum disease is addressed before it worsens.

5. Discussion of previous work

Dentists evaluate previous dental work, like fillings and crowns, by visually inspecting them for signs of wear, damage, or failure. It’s part of a routine check-up, but it’s particularly important if you’ve not had them checked for a while to ensure they’re still serving their purpose.

If the fillings or crowns are in poor condition, the dentist may recommend repairs, replacements, or adjustments. For example, a damaged filling might be replaced, or a loose crown might be recemented or replaced entirely. The goal is to ensure the integrity and function of the dental work and address any problems before they lead to more serious issues.

6. Treatment recommendations

After assessing your dental health, a dentist may recommend various treatments based on their findings.

Such treatments may include:

• Fillings.
• Crowns.
• Scaling and polishing.
• Root planing.
• Implants.
• Bridges.
• Dentures.

The goal of these treatments is to address any current issues, restore oral health, prevent future problems, and maintain overall dental function and aesthetics.

Cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth and smile, while restorative dentistry aims to repair and restore the function of damaged or missing teeth. Cosmetic treatments might include teeth whitening to brighten stained teeth, veneers to cover imperfections, bonding to repair minor damage, or orthodontics to straighten misaligned teeth.

These procedures aren’t usually essential, but your dentist may recommend these treatments based on your specific cosmetic concerns and overall dental health. The goal is to enhance your smile’s aesthetics, boost self-confidence, and address any functional issues that impact your oral health and daily life.

7. Advice on home dental care

Depending on your dental health, your dentist will advise you on how best to improve your oral hygiene.

You should brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, use a soft-bristle toothbrush, and floss daily to remove plaque between teeth. You should also use an antimicrobial mouthwash and replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months.

To avoid brushing too hard, which can damage gums and enamel, your dentist will recommend gentle, circular motions and not applying excessive pressure. Signs of brushing too hard include gum recession and worn enamel, while brushing too softly might lead to plaque buildup. The dentist can assess these issues during your examination by examining your gums and teeth for damage or plaque accumulation.

If you smoke, your dentist will usually be able to tell.

Some indications include:

• Staining: Teeth may have yellow or brown stains from tobacco.
• Gum Issues: Such as gum recession, inflammation, or bleeding.
• Bad Breath: Persistent, unpleasant breath is common among smokers.
• Oral Cancer Signs: Abnormal patches or sores in the mouth could be indicative of oral cancer.

These indicators can help the dentist provide tailored advice on improving oral health, stopping smoking and mitigating smoking-related damage.

8. Potential discomfort

If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, you might experience some discomfort or pain during your check-up. This can include sensitivity or mild pain during the cleaning process due to plaque and tartar buildup.

If there are existing issues like cavities or damaged fillings, you might experience localised pain or sensitivity when they examine those areas. However, any discomfort is usually brief, and the dentist will work to ensure you are as comfortable as possible during the examination and treatment.

How to relieve dental anxiety

Many people don’t go to the dentist because they’re anxious; here are a few ways to relieve your stress about your check-up:

• Practise deep breathing to calm your nerves and reduce stress.
• Discuss your concerns with your dentist so they can provide reassurance.
• Listen to music or bring a stress ball to help distract you during your appointment.
• Schedule your appointment when you’re least likely to be rushed or stressed.

9. Treatment costs

If you haven’t visited the dentist for a while, the cost of dental treatment may come as a surprise, especially given the rising costs of living in the UK. Dental fees have increased, and treatments that were once affordable may now be more expensive. The rising costs of dental treatment in the UK have led many Brits to seek more affordable options in Turkey, but they should be cautious of potential risks such as varying standards of care and the lack of follow-up support.

To avoid unexpected costs in the UK, it’s important to discuss prices and payment options with the dental receptionist when booking your appointment. Ask for a detailed estimate of the costs involved and inquire about any available payment plans or financing options to ensure there are no unpleasant surprises regarding the expenses.

10. Booking follow-up appointments

The dentist may schedule follow-up visits for further treatment or regular check-ups to ensure your oral health is on track.

It’s great to get back into a regular dental routine; even if it’s been a while, catching up on your dental care can help prevent more serious issues down the line.

Book your check-up with the Eye and Dental Clinic today!

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