What to Expect at Your First Visit

The first appointment is essentially an information-gathering appointment with a thorough cleaning. Arriving 15 minutes before the actual appointment time is a good idea as the dentist will want you to fill out a thorough medical history questionnaire. It’s quite important then to have with you the details of any medications that you are currently taking and any major illnesses or operations that you have had in the past. This may seem insignificant, but it may have an important bearing on the treatment that can be given, as well as on any medication that the dentist might want to prescribe for you.

Remember to tell Dr. Donison or Dr. Antoniuk about any changes in your teeth such as colour, position, soreness or looseness. Be sure to point out any changes in your gums such as colour, tenderness or bleeding when you brush or floss, if your floss catches or shreds when flossing, or if you have specific areas where food always gets impacted. Tell the dentist is you have noticed any changes to the skin on the inside of your mouth, such as changes to color or surface texture, and mention if your jaw pops, clicks, or causes pain, and if you clench or grind your teeth.

It is just as important to tell the dentist and hygienist is you are nervous about dental visits. Even people who visit the dentist on a regular basis can sometimes get anxious. In severe cases, fear can be so serious that people who really need to see a dentist stay away and puts their dental, and sometime their overall, health at risk. If you are afraid of going to the dentist for any reason, don’t be shy about talking us about it. We have many ways to help you relax.

DENTAL EXAMINATION

In order for Dr.’s Donison or Antoniuk to generate a treatment plan customized to your dental needs, you’ll need to have a complete and comprehensive examination. Current x-rays will be needed to comprehensively evaluate your whole mouth, along with your teeth. These x-rays are used to detect cavities, infections, periodontal disease, bony lesions such as cysts, or any other abnormalities of the teeth or bone. Without the proper diagnostic tools, some things can go undetected and cause more severe problems if left untreated. If you’re not currently having any problems with your teeth, that doesn’t necessarily mean that problems don’t exist. X-rays can help detect these problems at the earliest stages when they would otherwise not be seen. Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save time, money and unnecessary discomfort.

With our current digital radiography system, the amount of radiation you get is very minimal – about 1/3 of the older standard films. And the technology of the digital system allows for greater diagnostic quality. We are also very careful to cover and protect you with a lead filled apron equipped with a thyroid collar when taking necessary radiographs. To help ease your concern, research shows that you get more radiation from being out in the sun for an afternoon.

DENTAL CLEANING

A dental cleaning is a fairly routine procedure. Most people find that cleanings are painless, and find the sensations (tickling, vibrations, water spray, and the feeling of pressure during “scraping”) do not cause discomfort. A lot of people even report that they enjoy cleanings and the wonderful, smooth feel of their teeth afterwards! There may be odd zingy sensations, but many people don’t mind as they only last a nanosecond. Be sure to let your hygienist know if you find things are getting too uncomfortable for your liking. They can recommend various options to make the cleaning more enjoyable.

Teeth cleaning frequency is determined at your first visit and is based upon the diagnosis made by the hygienist and dentist. Your Personal Dental Care Plan will outline the frequency and duration of your prescribed teeth cleanings throughout the year. For example, a patient with gum disease may be scheduled for cleanings every 3 months, whereas a patient with healthy teeth and gums may only be required to have a cleaning once every 6-12 months. We continue to assess and re-assess your oral hygiene at subsequent appointments to help determine the frequency of your future appointments.

You can expect (on your first visit) to be in the dental office for one and a half to two hours. Dr.’s Donison or Antoniuk will use all of the information gathered to generate a treatment plan based on your dental needs. The treatment plan will be reviewed with you either at the end of this appointment or during a separate appointment, depending on the complexity.