After many years of putting off the trip, the time has come to get serious about dental health again. That means contacting and setting up an appointment with a new dentist. Since that first trip back to the Dental Office in Waikoloa could involve a little anxiety, it pays to get a feel for what to expect. Here are a few ideas.
Dealing with the Paperwork
While waiting to see the dentist, expect to spend time filling out basic paperwork. Those documents will become part of the patient record. Remember that the dentist needs to know about any medications currently taken, including any over-the-counter products. Since some of those medications could have blood-thinning properties, the dentist will want to keep them in mind when preparing for a procedure. This is also the time to provide any information about dental insurance. That information can be kept on file so the staff can file claims on behalf of the patient. Once the data is on file, there will be no need to make any changes unless the patient takes out a new plan with a different provider or switches to a different plan offered by the original provider.
The Examination
Since it has been some time since the last dental examination, expect the dentist to pay close attention to everything that has to do with the teeth and gums. The goal is to establish a baseline that will serve as the starting point for any future treatments. In some cases, the process will include taking x-rays. If any type of issue is found, the dentist will discuss treatment options with the patient. Depending on the complexity of the treatment, there is a good chance the work can be done immediately. For example, a small cavity can be cleaned and filled in a relatively short period of time. If the matter calls for something more involved, like a root canal, then plans for a future appointment will be necessary.
While it may be a little embarrassing to return to the dentist after years of letting things slide, rest assured the team at the office of Brian S. Kubo DDS Waikoloa have seen it all before. The goal will be to get the patient back on track with dental care, and ensure the teeth remain healthy for many years to come. Click here for more information.
