In a book, the story is far more exciting and interesting when complications come up for the protagonist. In real life, however, sometimes having an uneventful experience is a good thing! For instance, when you visit the dentist for a checkup and cleaning, you probably want the appointment to go smoothly with as few frustrations and issues as possible. Unfortunately, under certain circumstances, the visit may not go as well as you might have hoped. Here are some tips to make your next dental checkup easier for both you and your dentist.
Brush and Floss Your Teeth
Although you should brush and floss your teeth every day, it’s a good idea to do at least a quick cleanup right before your appointment, especially if your visit is after lunch. Instead of having to clear out debris, your dentist can have a clear view of your teeth and gums, helping the appointment go more smoothly and quickly.
Come Prepared with Concerns or Questions
Spoiler alert: your dentist is going to ask if you have questions or concerns. It’s not just an empty, automatic thing to say—they genuinely want to know if there’s anything in particular you want to discuss with them. Your checkup is the perfect opportunity to check a specific tooth problem, answer questions, clarify confusion, or learn how to care for your smile better.
Arrive on Time
Etiquette encourages everyone to be punctual. It’s more polite and shows that you respect their time, but when it comes to your dental care, it goes beyond niceties. Your dentist uses your checkup time to learn about you personally, thoroughly assess your needs, and build trust with you. If you arrive late, not only can you put your dentist in a tighter pinch in their schedule, but also your relationship with them could not be as strong as it could be.
Be Ready to Pay
As with any other service, you need to pay for dental care, so be prepared. When you made the appointment, the team member at the practice should have taken your dental insurance information if you have benefits, but make sure you bring your card with you to the office just in case. Keep in mind that you may have a co-pay, depending on your plan. If you don’t have dental insurance, you may be able to enroll in a membership plan or finance the cost of treatment, but in any case, just come ready to pay so that you can take care of this step efficiently.
In the end, your dentist understands that life can be complicated, and you may not always be able to follow these tips. However, if you can, your dental visit is much more likely to be enjoyable, smooth, and uneventful.
About the Practice
Beach Dental proudly has husband-and-wife dentists, Dr. Jason Parli and Dr. Alexis Gersten, leading the team. Treating patients from Manorville, East Quogue, Westhampton Beach, East Moriches, and other areas, we offer many services, including regular checkups, dental implants, teeth whitening, and more. Are you due for a dental checkup and cleaning? Contact the practice online or call us at 631-325-0731.