The first dental appointment at a new office can be an anxiety-provoking experience for some patients. It’s important to remember that at our dentist’s office, we are here to help you — not judge you! Our goal is to help you feel calm and comfortable for the duration of your appointment so that you can enjoy your experience and look forward to sitting in the dental chair again. Sometimes it is helpful to know what to expect beforehand so that you know how to prepare yourself for that first appointment. Learn what to expect at your first dental appointment at our practice below:
Dental Exam
You should expect a thorough dental exam during your first appointment. We may ask you about your past dental experiences and any dental concerns you want to make us aware of. Our team will perform a periodontal screening, evaluating the current health of your gums. We will let you know if we see any areas that are not being brushed or flossed enough to help you take a proactive approach to your dental care at home. Then, we will take dental x-rays and do a smile analysis of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. During the smile analysis, we are looking for any signs or symptoms of minor dental issues. Our goal is to catch these minor issues before they develop into future dental concerns.
Dental Cleaning
A dental cleaning is usually performed during your first appointment, especially if it has been over six months since you’ve seen a professional dentist. One of our friendly team members will gently remove any plaque or tartar surrounding your gum. Plaque and tartar are hardened food residues that must be removed by a dental professional. Dr. Gauthier emphasizes the importance of routine dental cleanings and the role they play in disease prevention. A couple of visits a year to our Worcester, MA dentist office can save both time and money down the road in both dental and overall health care. Once all plaque and tartar are removed, we will thoroughly brush your teeth and ask you to rinse with a fluoride solution.
Dentist Consultation
The final portion of your dentist appointment will be a consultation with one of our skilled dentists. Either Dr. Gauthier or Dr. Costa will come in to evaluate your smile one last time and make sure everything is good to go. If any dental concerns have been noted during your appointment, they will provide you with a personalized treatment plan so that you are fully informed on how to restore your dental health. This is a great time to ask any questions you might have about your dental health, or inquire about one of our elective cosmetic dentistry procedures that you may be interested in.
If you are looking for a highly-recommended dentist office in Worcester, MA, we hope you will consider visiting our office. Our caring and passionate staff offer preventative dental care for all ages. Dr. Gautheier and Dr. Costa also offer specialized dental services such as TMJ treatment, Cosmetic Dentistry, dental implants, teeth whitening, and more. Please schedule an appointment online, and we look forward to seeing you soon.