If you haven’t been to the dentist in years, it can be a little intimidating to finally schedule an appointment. When you aren’t experiencing any kind of tooth pain, it’s easy to let your semi-annual cleanings and exams fall by the wayside. If you don’t have dental insurance, you may feel that you can’t afford the out-of-pocket costs for even routine dental treatment and postpone your visit. You may also be feeling insecure about the state of your oral health and be less inclined to make an appointment as a result.
Fortunately, no matter what your reason is for not making it to the dentist for several years, dental practices have come a long way in terms of patient comfort and modern technology. We know we are always happy to see new faces and ensure you have a positive experience. Here’s what to expect if it’s been a while since your last dental appointment:
Relaxing Atmosphere
You may feel stressed about walking into the dentist’s office for the first time in years, but many dental practices now take into consideration that some of their patients may feel anxiety around visiting the dentist. Many offices do their best to make you feel right at home from the second you enter the waiting area and offer comforting amenities for all patients, anxious or not. At Stratman Family Dentistry for example, we have pillows and blankets, TV in all treatment rooms, complimentary beverages, and Wifi. Dental professionals know that it can be stressful to take that first step in getting your oral health on track and you can rest assured that they will do everything to make you feel welcome.
Gentle Dentistry
Dentistry has had many improvements over the years, and many dental offices use advanced technology to provide their patients with gentle dental treatments. This includes everything from ultrasonic anesthetic devices that deliver pain-free injections to high-powered laser cavity detection that can find issues early on and minimize the need for injections and drilling. Other cosmetic dental services, such as in-office whitening treatments and 6 month braces, can transform your smile in a fraction of the time it used to take, and restorative treatments like dental implants and stabilized dentures are permanent and natural-looking solutions that will restore your confidence as well as your oral health.
Compassionate Care
If your teeth haven’t been cleaned or examined in a long time, you may feel insecure about them, but it’s important to remember that dental hygienists and dentists aren’t there to judge you or make you feel uncomfortable. It doesn’t matter if it’s been one year or twenty since your last visit — they are happy to see you taking steps to care for your teeth and gums and will make you feel at ease. The dental hygienist will give your teeth the thorough professional cleaning and advise you on how to maintain their health with proper home care. Many dentists now use 3D digital imaging to take a close look at your teeth, gums, and bones which helps to spot any damage or early warning signs of issues. Dentists can spot all sorts of overall health issues you may not be aware of including celiac disease and osteoporosis so it’s important to make regular appointments to stay on top of your health. Preventative care is the most important way to keep your teeth healthy and regular exams are a great time to discuss treatment plans and other concerns you may have before they become more serious.
Making that first dental appointment after a hiatus doesn’t need to be stressful. We are passionate about providing high-quality, gentle care in a relaxing and warm environment. Stratman Family Dentistry cares about the oral health of all of our patients, and we look forward to making your next visit a great one. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment!
