What To Expect When An Adult Visits The Dentist

If you are fast reaching adulthood, things do begin to change. You have finally reached the point where you are regarded as a responsible person and, of course, you still need to schedule those dental check-ups every 6 months. While you might have been entertained a little as a child, the adult dental check-up is a little more business-like.

Online Solutions

Finding a BUPA dentist in Brisbane CBD or in your city is much easier with a Google search. Once the booking has been made, you can prepare for the appointment. It is important to schedule some free time after the dental appointment, preferably taking the rest of the day off. Making an appointment in the afternoon might be the best idea.

Typical Dental Check-Up

The average oral examination can take from 45-60 minutes in total and would usually start with a deep clean, which is carried out by the dental hygienist. This removes plaque and tartar and might also involve flossing to remove trapped food particles that become lodged between the teeth. Once completed, the hygienist rinses your mouth and uses a polisher to finish the cleaning process and you are now ready for the oral examination.

Inspection of the Teeth & Gums

The check-up consists of a close-up examination of the teeth and gums, looking for signs of tooth decay and gum infection. The dentist uses a pick tool and a small hand-held mirror to inspect the back of the teeth. Should there be any issues, a treatment will be recommended, which might be carried out there and then or scheduled for another date.

X-Rays

There are times when the dentist wishes to gain more information and that might involve taking a few X-Ray images, which will show how the roots of your teeth and jawbone are looking. If your teeth are misaligned, X-Rays would likely be required, while patients looking to have dental implants also need to have X-Rays to check whether or not the jawbone is suitable for receiving the titanium pins used as support for the prosthetic teeth.

The Post Inspection Chat

After the examination is over, the dentist will discuss things with you. If there is treatment required, the medical professional will explain what the problem is, while also reviewing things like your oral hygiene practices to check that you are brushing and flossing regularly. The dentist might enquire about your lifestyle, as all information can help them to make an accurate diagnosis. If all is well, the dentist might ask after your family, then schedule your next check-up, which should be in 6 months.

Fear of the Dentist

This usually forms after a bad experience as a child, and it only takes a single unpleasant event to cause a person to fear the dentist’s chair. Worry not as there are dentists who are trained in putting the patient at ease and with modern anaesthetic, pain is a thing of the past. In might help to talk with the dental professional and explain where the fear came from, and this certainly should not stop you from having regular check-ups.