At Cashmere Family Dentistry, we believe that a healthy smile leads to a healthy body. Because your oral health is intrinsically linked to your overall physical health, dental check-ups are a vital piece of your holistic healthcare practice. But while we know how necessary these visits are, we also know that a check-up with the dentist can feel a little intimidating, especially if it has been a while since your last visit.
No matter how long it has been since you last met with Drs. Janie or Ryan, be it 6 months or 6 years, Cashmere Family Dentistry is here to help make the process as smooth and easy as possible so that there are no obstacles preventing you from your brightest and shiniest smile. Knowledge is a tool, and knowing what you can expect from a dental visit is often the most powerful tool you can arm yourself with against dental anxiety. Here is what you can look forward to from your dental check-up with Cashmere Family Dentistry.
New Patients
Whether you are a new patient coming to our office for the first time or an old patient who hasn’t visited us in a while, the first check-up is a very similar and straightforward process.
Step One: Preparing for Your Appointment
Prior to your scheduled appointment, you’ll want to prepare a few important items that may be helpful during the intake process. Make sure that our office is in your insurance network. While we accept most major insurance plans, you may want to call ahead of time to be sure that there won’t be any issues with payment when the time comes.
It is also a good idea to take an inventory of any new health updates that your doctor might need to know before your exam, as well as any questions you might have to ensure that you make the most of your time with the doctor. Drs. Janie and Ryan are always happy to answer your questions!
Step Two: Intake
When you walk through our doors, you’ll be greeted by one of our welcoming staff members. They’ll pass you one of our intake forms to fill out while you wait for them to call you to the back office. Make sure to fill the form out to the best of your ability. Have your insurance card and driver’s license ready as well!
Step Three: Dental Cleaning
Next, you’ll meet with one of our dental hygienists. Cecy, Diane, Kim, or Therese will be taking care of you for the day, making sure your teeth are clean and prepped for your dental exam with Drs. Janie or Ryan. This gentle cleaning process allows your hygienist to remove the buildup of plaque that simple brushing and flossing may not reach. You may even have a few X-rays of your teeth done so that your dentist can review them before meeting with you.
For most people, leaning back in the chair and letting your hygienist clean your teeth can be a relaxing time, kind of like getting a haircut! You may chat with your hygienist, learn a little about how to take care of your teeth, and enjoy the hour or so of attentive care you’ll be receiving. Sometimes our patients may experience discomfort during cleaning. That can be normal and should not be a cause of fear or hesitation. Just let us know how you’re feeling and we will adjust our process to make sure you feel safe and comfortable with your care.
Step Four: Dental Exam
Now comes the moment you’ve been waiting for. By the time Drs. Janie or Ryan step through the door, they will have already spoken with your hygienist and reviewed your X-rays. Then they’ll carefully examine your teeth and gums to make sure that no further treatment is needed.
All of our dental exams conclude with the application of a fluoride varnish. Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, helps to strengthen your teeth and works in conjunction with the calcium in your saliva to keep your teeth healthy and cavity-resistant.
Step Five: Follow-Up
That wasn’t so bad, was it? Now that you’re done with your exam, you’ll schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist for 6 months in the future and we’ll see you then to repeat this list!
If your doctor finds a cavity or recommends additional treatment, we will get you scheduled to come in for a visit in the near future so that all your concerns are addressed in a timely manner.
Between Appointments
The real work for keeping up with your oral health happens between your dental check-ups. That means brushing your teeth and flossing regularly, avoiding an excess of sweets, and following up with your dentist with any new updates or oral health concerns.
Remember, preventative dental care is so important to your overall health. If left unchecked, accumulated plaque or decay can quickly develop into gum disease or gingivitis. These can be linked to larger symptoms such as heart disease and high blood pressure to diabetes and pancreatic cancer. While these health issues may sound scary, the best way to prevent them from being concerns to your health at all is by getting regular check-ups every 6 months.
Put Your Mind at Ease with Regular Check-Ups at Cashmere Family Dentistry
The value of a regular dental check-up is extraordinary and can even act as a preventative measure not only for your oral health but for your general physical health as well. At Cashmere Family Dentistry, we strive to make you feel like you are a part of our family. As such, you receive attentive care from friendly faces with expertise in the field of dentistry.
We know that a trip to the dentist is an intimidating experience. Let us show you why that fear is unnecessary – schedule your appointment today!
