There can be many reasons why you may not visit your dentist for a longer time than you originally planned or expected. Perhaps you had a bad dental experience and have developed a phobia? It may because you moved home and haven’t had a chance to move practice. Or it might be because you were pregnant and your gums were sensitive and sore. Whatever the reason it is understandable that making and attending an appointment after such a long time away can be a daunting prospect. Here’s what you can expect.
Will my visit be the same as other dental visits?
You may find that after a dental hiatus, the check-up will generally take longer than normal. This is because you will have plaque built up on your teeth that will need to be removed or examined. Unfortunately brushing and flossing alone are often not enough to keep your dental health in best condition. You can still develop dental problems even if you believe you are looking after your teeth. This can be for a number of reasons including and incorrect or incomplete brushing technique that is not properly cleaning your teeth. Your dentist may also want to carry out X-rays on your mouth to check for any possible dental problems.
Will I have cavities?
If you have not visited the dentist in a number of years then your chances of having a cavity is much higher. Cavities are not something to be scared of. Leaving them untreated is though, as they can lead to more serious dental problems and may need treatment such as root canal or tooth extraction.
Some people find the dentist a difficult or daunting experience. However, your teeth need to be taken care of just as much as any other part of your body. Letting your oral health decline can impact on your overall health and has proven to lead to cardiovascular issues including heart disease.
If your dental health has deteriorated beyond repair then you may require cosmetic dentistry work carried out. Your dentist will be able to advise you of which treatments you may require.
A review of your dental hygiene routine
Your dentist may also spend time going over the correct procedure for brushing and flossing your teeth. They will recommend that you visit your dentist around twice per year dependent on your oral health to avoid any potentially damaging concerns such as gum disease, oral cancer or tooth decay developing. A dentist’s main focus is on preventive care and they will help you to understand the proper techniques you will need to learn to help keep your teeth healthy for life.
Dental check-up at Number 18 Dental, dentist in Notting Hill
Number 18 Dental is a boutique dental practice located in the beautiful Notting Hill area of London. Our practice provides a warm and calming environment for our patients. Regardless of the reasons you have spent time away from the dentist it is our goal to help you get your dental hygiene up to scratch.
