[Posted on May 6th, 2013]
// Visiting a dentist is a critical component of dental health that many people neglect because of a lack of time or money. Whatever the reason, having your teeth checked on a regular basis is something that everyone should do. However, what should a person do if they are looking for a new College Station dentist? What can be expected during the initial appointment? This article will provide answers to these questions.Finding a Dentist You Can TrustDentists are like any other professionals: there are better ones and there are worse ones. The trick is to be able to determine which is which. Your first step should be to ask your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors if they can recommend a good dentist to you. Asking people that you trust and know well can be an ideal way to find a new College Station dentist that will do quality work and will not overcharge. If any of these people recommend a dentist to you, ask them what specific procedures the dentist performed for them. You should also ask how long they have been going to see this dentist.If you are unable to get any recommendations from the people around you, search online and compile a list of all of the dentists in your area. Find out how long they have been in business. You should research their credentials to make sure that their licenses are current. It is very important to make sure that whatever dentist you are thinking about visiting is certified to perform the procedure that you want. All dentists do not have equal training. In fact, their training can vary widely. Most dentists specialize in a few procedures that they are most comfortable with. Another critical thing you must investigate is if the dentist has ever had any complaints or lawsuits filed against him or her. If there have been complaints of lawsuits filed, find out what they were regarding. Fortunately, the vast majority of information that you will need to find a good dentist is readily available on the Internet, so it should not take you too long to do the necessary research.Your Initial Dental Visit: Your Overall HealthThe first time you visit a dentist, he or she will gather information about your overall health. Tell your dentist if you are currently taking any medications or if you have been diagnosed with any diseases. Even diseases that may seem to have nothing to do with your mouth may cause your dentist to use different methods to treat your dental issues.Your FearsBeing afraid of the dentist is extremely common. Therefore, it is important for you to tell your dentist if you have any specific fears regarding various dental treatments. Your dentist can then take these fears into consideration and adjust his or her treatment methods accordingly. If you prefer not to know what your dentist is doing, or need to know exactly what's going on, he or she can accommodate you.Your Dental HistoryPrior to your initial examination, let your dentist know if you feel any lumps in your mouth, if your teeth have become sensitive, or if you think that you might have a cavity. You should also have your old dentist send your most recent x-rays to your new College Station dentist.ExaminationYour dentist will give you a comprehensive examination that will include much more than your mouth. The dentist will be looking for any indications of disease or other issues. The exam will check your head, neck, tongue, lips, cheeks, and gums. Your bite and how well your teeth fit together will also be checked. After your dentist visually examines your teeth, x-rays will be taken for future reference.
