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Stamford dentist.

What actually goes on in the dentist office

Almost every American knows how important it is to see a dentist on a regular basis.  Luckily, a regular basis for a dentist visit is only twice a year.  Making sure you schedule and go to your appointment is probably the toughest part about a semi-annual dental visit.  Once you are there, you check in, relax, and read a few magazines or watch television before you are called into the room.  If you have not been to that particular dentist in the past, you will have to show them your current dental insurance card and fill out some paperwork before you are seen by the dentist and dental hygienist.  Do not worry the paperwork is not difficult and only takes between five and ten minutes.  They ask basic questions from your name, address, and date of birth.  They also want to know who your primary care physician is and any other health related questions.  Once you fill out the paperwork, the receptionist will give you back your dental health insurance card and tell you to have a seat and wait for your dental hygienist to call your name. 

Before seeing your dentist you will meet with the dental hygienist.  His or her job is to clean the plaque build-up off of your teeth, mouth, and gums.  This process usually takes anywhere from twenty to thirty minutes.  The dental hygienist uses a few different tools to get in between your teeth and get out all the build up.  It is so important to visit your local dental practice at least twice a year because a clean up gets all the unwanted bacteria and plaque out.  Once that part is complete, there are a few more steps to go with your dental hygienist before you actually see your dentist.  The dental hygienist will then brush your teeth to remove any plaque remnants and also floss for you.  At the dentists’ office, the dental hygienist will show you the proper way to floss to keep your teeth, mouth, and gums healthy.  Sometimes your visit may require you to get x-rays taken.  This is nothing to worry about and it is normal procedure.  X-rays allow the dentist to see inside your mouth and the health of your gums and teeth.  The x-ray can show anything from a cavity to a root canal issue.  The x-rays are taken by the dental hygienist and reviewed by the dentist.

Once you meet with the dentist he or she will have you open your mouth and then they will look at your gums and teeth.  Here is where the dentist takes a look at the x-ray, if one is taken, and searches through your mouth to see if there are any areas of trouble.  If the search comes up empty than you are all set!  However, if the dentist finds a cavity or something else of concern, you will more likely have to schedule another appointment to get that taken care of.  All in all, going to the dentist is not as scary as it sounds.  Go in, sit in a chair with your mouth open for a while, and walk out with fresh breath and a clean mouth.