A trip to the dentist is stressful for some people. Anxiety on the day of the appointment can make preparation harder than it should be and may cause you to forget critical prep-related details. It’s best to make a checklist of what you need to do and bring with you.
Here are some tips on how to prepare for a dentist appointment that we at Smile Perfection have put together from our years of experience as Tucson’s go-to dentist.
Preparing for a Dentist Appointment
Here are some important things you need to do:
Confirm Your Appointment
It’s a good idea to call the office 24 hours ahead of time to confirm your appointment. Take note of the address to ensure you know how to get to the office and seek clarifications if necessary. You don’t want to drive in the wrong direction on the day of the appointment.
Understand the Procedure
Are you visiting the dentist for regular cleaning, or do you want to get braces? It’s important to know the procedure and prepare for it. If you know what to expect, you’ll feel less anxious on the day. Also, some procedures may require special preparation, such as avoiding meals for a specified number of hours before the appointment. You’ll get the info you need during the initial consultations.
Clean Your Teeth
When thinking about how to prepare for a dentist appointment, you need to think about your doctor. An appointment with the dentist doesn’t mean you can be lax with your oral hygiene; it’s respectful behavior to brush, floss, and use mouthwash. No dentist wants to spend time cleaning out food particles before getting down to the job.
Watch What You Eat
Similarly, be mindful of what you eat before an appointment. There are meal restrictions on some appointments, but if you’re allowed to eat, it’s best to avoid strong-smelling foods such as fish, garlic, or onion.
Be Punctual
Dentists are very busy. Therefore, it’s best to arrive early for your dental appointment. If you’re late, the dentist might cancel your slot or push it forward to avoid causing inconveniences to other people. You should aim to arrive 10-15 minutes before your appointment time.
What Should You Bring?
Here are the essential items to bring along to your appointment:
Medical History Documents
These documents will give your doctor a quick summary of your medical situation, including existing conditions, your current medications, allergies, procedures you’ve undergone in the past, and more. This will help them determine the dental care approach for you.
You’ll also need to present any recent dental X-rays (not older than six months) and a referral letter from your previous doctor where necessary.
Insurance and Payment Information
If you’re on any dental insurance plan, it’s essential to bring it along to your appointment. The card will be helpful to determine your level of coverage if you need treatment. If you’re not on an insurance plan or want to pay out of pocket, don’t forget to bring cash or a card.
Dental Treatment at Home
The tips above cover how to prepare for a dentist appointment. However, if you can’t leave your home for dental visits or simply prefer to receive treatment at home, you can discuss your options with your dentist. At Smile Perfection, we offer home treatment to our clients. You can learn more about our mobile dentistry solutions or call us at (520) 293-2166 to book a session.
