Find the Right Dentist for You

Visiting the dentist doesn’t have to be an intimidating experience. It’s an important part of staying healthy, and knowing what to expect can ease your fears. Dentists help keep teeth clean, provide recommendations for improving oral health and address symptoms, from sore gums to jaw pain. Going to the dentist as preventive care can help stave off more serious problems, such as gum disease or tooth decay. If you are facing dental concerns, such as toothache, gum disease, or broken or missing teeth, dentists can help.

Here are some frequently asked questions about seeing a dentist:

How often should I go to the dentist? Dentists typically recommend a dental visit twice a year for general cleaning. In these appointments, dentists clean and floss your teeth, may apply a fluoride treatment, and diagnose any problems, such as a cavity, gum disease or an overbite. If you’re diagnosed with a condition, your dentist will recommend a treatment that either they or another dental specialist can perform. Check with your insurance company to see how many annual checkups it will cover.

Outside of regular visits, common reasons to see a dentist include swollen or bleeding gums, pain while chewing, or tooth sensitivity to hot or cold food. More serious dental problems may require an emergency dental visit to your dentist or a specialized provider. Learn more about how you can find emergency dental care.

What should I expect during my first visit to the dentist?

1. Paperwork, which requires you to arrive 15 to 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment to fill out.
2. X-rays of your mouth.
3. Cleaning, flossing and examining of your teeth and gums.
4. Instructions about follow-up care and scheduling another appointment six months later, unless otherwise advised.
5. Sore teeth, which using toothpaste for sensitive gums and teeth might help.

After your first visit, routine visits are similar. Usually, you can expect X-rays as well as a deep clean from a hygienist. After the cleaning session, the dentist checks your gums and teeth for any problems, such as gum disease or cavities. If any problems arise during the visit, the dentist will discuss treatment options, which may require a follow-up appointment.

What should I do before going to the dentist? Going to the dentist requires minimal preparation. If you have time, brush and floss your teeth right before the appointment. If you’re using dental insurance, have your insurance information ready for the office administrator. If you don’t have dental insurance, call ahead to find out how much you should plan to pay out-of-pocket at your appointment. If you have prior dental records, request your previous dentist’s office to send them to your new dentist, or bring them with you if you have them.

Should I see a dentist or an endodontist for a root canal? It depends. General dentists are trained in performing root canal treatments. They commonly perform the procedure on patients with mild cases. But more severe cases may need a specialist. Endodontists are dentists who specialize in treating the center of the tooth and perform root canal treatments for more severe cases.

What procedures are considered cosmetic dentistry? Cosmetic dentistry covers procedures that aim to improve the appearance of teeth. In most cases, they do not directly relate to oral health. Braces, teeth whitening, crowns and veneers are all cosmetic dentistry procedures. Read more about the cost of cosmetic dentistry and different procedures.

How is an overbite treated? Overbites can be either dental or skeletal in origin. A dental overbite is when the jaw is aligned correctly, but the teeth misalignment causes the overbite. Dental overbites can be treated with braces, and sometimes tooth extractions. A skeletal overbite occurs when the jaw is misaligned, which commonly requires an oral maxillofacial surgeon to perform surgery to correct the jaw.