What to Expect at Your First Dental Visit

 Are you ready to take the first steps towards a healthy and beautiful smile? If so, your first visit to our award-winning dental clinic in Selby is an important one. You may be feeling nervous or unsure of what to expect during your first dental visit, but there is no need to worry. Our experienced team of Selby dentists  and staff will help ensure that your experience is a positive one. In this blog post, we will discuss what you can expect at your first dental visit with us.

A comprehensive oral exam

When you visit our clinic for the first time, one of the first things that your dentist will do is a comprehensive oral exam. This exam includes a visual inspection and evaluation of your teeth, gums, tongue, jaw and any other areas that may need to be assessed. Your dentist will look for signs of tooth decay, cavities, cracked teeth, gum disease, and any other issues. Your dentist will also take x-rays of your teeth to look for underlying problems or decay that can’t be seen with the naked eye. During the exam, they will also measure the pockets around your teeth to see how healthy your gums are. Lastly, your dentist will check for signs of oral cancer.

It’s important to attend all regularly scheduled dental exams to keep your mouth healthy and free of disease. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to speak up—we want to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible at our clinic.

X-rays of your teeth

When you visit our clinic for your first dental appointment, the dentist may take X-rays of your teeth. X-rays are an important part of a comprehensive dental exam and can help detect any problems or decay that may not be visible to the naked eye. The dentist will take multiple X-rays of different angles in order to get a full picture of your teeth and mouth. X-rays are safe and radiation levels are very low so you do not need to worry about any potential risks.

It is important to have regular X-rays taken as they can help detect any changes in the teeth that could indicate a problem. With the help of X-rays, the dentist can diagnose and treat any issues quickly and accurately, helping to ensure your long-term oral health.

A cleaning of your teeth

At your first visit to our award-winning dental clinic in Selby, you’ll receive a comprehensive cleaning of your teeth. During the cleaning, our experienced dental hygienist will use special instruments to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums. They may also use an ultrasonic scaler to break up any tough deposits of plaque and tartar.

Afterwards, our hygienist will polish your teeth with a special paste to help remove any remaining stains and make them appear brighter. They may also apply a fluoride treatment to help protect your teeth against cavities and other decay.

If our hygienist finds any areas of gum disease or cavities, they will discuss it with you and explain your treatment options. It’s important that you follow the advice of our hygienist to keep your smile healthy and looking its best. After the initial cleaning, one of our dentists here at our award-winning dental clinic in Selby will meet with you for an examination. This is when they'll take a look at each individual tooth and check for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and overall oral health. They might also take X-rays if needed. If it's been a while since your last appointment, the dentist might recommend additional treatments such as fillings, crowns, root canals, or even tooth extractions. Whatever your individual needs are, the team here at our New Patient Dentist Selby is here to help!

A fluoride treatment

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in soil, water, and some foods. It can help to prevent tooth decay by strengthening the enamel on your teeth, making it more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. At our clinic, we offer a professional fluoride treatment that provides an extra boost of protection for your teeth.

During a fluoride treatment, we use a topical fluoride solution, foam, or gel that is applied directly to the surface of your teeth. The fluoride will then be absorbed into your enamel, providing an additional layer of protection against cavities. This treatment typically only takes a few minutes and can be done during your regular dental check-up.

It’s important to note that fluoride treatments are safe for everyone. However, children under the age of six should not receive a fluoride treatment unless recommended by their dentist due to the risk of fluorosis (staining of the teeth caused by too much fluoride).

At our clinic, we make sure that you get the best possible care and protection for your teeth. So don’t hesitate to ask us about our fluoride treatments if you’re looking for an extra layer of protection against tooth decay!

A consultation with the dentist

At your first dental visit, your dentist will take the time to get to know you and learn about your dental health goals. During the consultation, they will discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing, examine your mouth and check for any signs of oral disease. Your dentist will assess your current oral hygiene routine and provide tailored advice on how to improve it. They may also talk to you about your dietary habits, smoking habits, and any other lifestyle factors that could be affecting your dental health. If needed, they can also provide more information on how to protect your teeth and gums from further damage. Your dentist will also use the consultation to explain any treatments or procedures that are necessary to achieve the best possible results.