It’s easy for one missed dental appointment to turn into two, then three, and before you know it, several years have passed since you last sat in a dentist’s chair.
Perhaps you’ve been busy. Perhaps you’ve moved house or changed dentist. Or perhaps there’s another reason you haven’t been back.
For some people, the thought of returning after a long gap can be particularly difficult. You might be worried that you’ll be judged, that you’ll need lots of treatment, or that something might be wrong.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
And the good news is that you don’t need to have everything sorted before you make an appointment.
What happens at your first appointment?
Your first visit to a dentist after several years is likely to be a little different from a routine check-up.
At Esthetique Dental in Shrewsbury, our new patient examinations are designed to give us time to understand your dental history, listen to any concerns and get a clear picture of your oral health.
We’ll carry out a thorough examination, including digital X-rays, and check for things such as:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Cracked, damaged or worn teeth
- Existing fillings, crowns and other dental work
- Signs of teeth grinding
- Bite and jaw problems
- Signs of oral cancer
The aim isn’t simply to find things that need treatment. It’s to understand your dental health as a whole and identify anything that may need attention.
What if you’re worried about what the dentist will find?
This is one of the biggest concerns for people who haven’t been to the dentist for a long time.
You may be thinking about the state of your teeth, worrying that you’ll need lots of treatment or feeling embarrassed about how long it has been.
There is no benefit to a dentist making you feel bad about your dental health.
Our job is to understand where you are now and help you decide what to do next.
You may need treatment. You may need several things looked at. Or you may find that your teeth are in better shape than you expected.
Either way, knowing what’s going on is a useful first step.
What if I’m nervous about going to the dentist?
For some people, this is the main reason they haven’t been for years.
Previous experiences, fear of pain, embarrassment or simply not knowing what to expect can all make dental appointments difficult.
At Esthetique Dental, we are dental phobia experts and have extensive experience helping nervous patients.
We understand that everyone is different. Some people may be comfortable once they know what to expect, while others may need more time and reassurance.
We’ll listen to your concerns and explain what we’re doing. You can ask questions, tell us if you need a break and talk to us about anything that is worrying you.
Most importantly, you won’t be judged because you haven’t been to the dentist for a while.
Do I have to have treatment straight away?
No.
Your first appointment is an opportunity to understand your current dental health and discuss your options.
If we find something that needs treatment, we’ll explain what we’ve found, why it may need addressing and what your options are. We’ll also explain the costs and timescales involved.
Some things may need attention sooner than others. Some may be suitable for monitoring.
We believe patients should have the information they need to make decisions about their own dental care. There is no need to feel pressured into making a decision before you’re ready.
What if I need a lot of treatment?
If you’ve been away from the dentist for several years, you may be concerned that you’ll be presented with a long list of things that need doing.
If treatment is needed, we’ll work with you to prioritise it.
You don’t necessarily need to tackle everything at once. We can discuss what’s most important, what can wait and the different ways of approaching your treatment.
Depending on your needs, this could include straightforward restorative treatment, dental hygiene, cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign or more complex treatments such as dental implants.
The important thing is that we start with where you are now.
Getting back into regular dental care
Once you’ve had your first appointment, getting back into a regular routine can be much easier.
Regular examinations allow us to monitor your teeth and gums over time and identify problems before they become more complicated.
They also give you the opportunity to ask questions, discuss any changes you’ve noticed and get advice on looking after your teeth at home.
For many people who have avoided the dentist, simply getting through the first appointment is the hardest part.
After that, it can become much more straightforward.
It’s never too late to make an appointment
If it has been years since your last dental appointment, you may have been putting off making that call because you’re worried about what will happen when you do.
But you don’t need to know what’s wrong with your teeth before you contact a dentist. You don’t need to have a treatment plan in mind. And you don’t need to be embarrassed about how long it has been.
You just need to take the first step.
At Esthetique Dental, we take the time to understand your concerns and assess your dental health before discussing what happens next. Our team has particular experience in helping nervous patients, and we’ll always treat you with respect and without judgement.
If you’re looking for a dentist in Shrewsbury and it’s been a while since your last visit, we’d be happy to welcome you.
Call us on 01939 211150 or book online.
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