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Floss, Fluoride & Fear

Floss, Fluoride & Fearless: What to Expect During Your Next Dental Checkup

Dental checkups are the key to maintaining a healthy, happy smile. We like to see our patients every six months to provide a thorough teeth cleaning and address any potential issues preventing them from turning into more significant problems in the future.

At Midlothian, we're passionate about providing a judgment-free and caring environment for patients of all ages. We understand that dental anxiety can prevent people from seeing dentists regularly, so booking a dental checkup isn't as easy as it may be for others.

Whether you're planning to book your first dental checkup in a while or are simply curious to know what to expect during your next appointment, read on to learn about our compassionate approach so you can prepare accordingly and go into your next appointment with confidence.

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What to Expect During a Dental Exam

The routine dental checkup has evolved over the years, so what you may have experienced as a young child will likely differ from today's appointment. In many ways, this has evolved to help patients feel more comfortable and confident throughout their time with us.

Here are some common questions and procedures you can expect us to perform during your next dental checkup:

  • Medical History. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our friendly receptionist in a low-light, calming waiting room. We'll have you complete a comprehensive form of your medical history and insurance information. If you're already a patient of ours but haven't seen us in over a year, we may need you to complete this intake form again to ensure there are no significant changes to your health or insurance.
  • X-rays. Dental x-rays are a quick, safe and painless way for our dentists to detect any issues that are not visible to the naked eye. We will walk you through each x-ray, communicating clearly what we're doing and why. Thanks to major advancements in dental technology, our x-rays are safer than ever and provide instant results.
  • Dental exam. A routine dental exam from a dental hygienist may include a few upfront questions to address any concerns or pain you may be experiencing. Our hygienists and dentists are also happy to answer any questions you may have for us before we get started. From there, we will ensure your comfort with low lighting and the option to add a foam pillow for comfort, as well as headphones to listen to your favorite music. Your dentist will perform a thorough exam to take a closer look at your teeth and evaluate any findings within your x-rays.
  • Teeth cleaning and polishing. After your dentist has completed your exam, our dental hygienists will perform teeth cleaning and polishing, which includes:
    • A thorough teeth cleaning to remove any buildup.
    • Flossing to remove plaque between teeth.
    • Floride application and removal to strengthen your teeth.
  • Recommendations. Before your appointment wraps up, we will provide you with our findings and recommendations. If that includes additional dental work, such as necessary fillings to prevent cavity growth, or other services we provide, like cosmetic dentistry and orthodontic work, we will ensure you have the necessary information and financial information to make a well-informed decision. We will also provide you with a goodie bag to help you care for your teeth and gums until your next appointment!
  • Scheduling and payment. Our receptionist will provide you with our availability to schedule your next cleaning and any follow-up appointments. We can also discuss payment plans that best fit your needs.
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A Fear-Free Visit

Still feeling the nerves? We understand and want to help. For patients who feel extreme anxiety around a dental checkup or any dental procedure, we are happy to provide our sedation services. Midlothian is one of the area's leading sedation dentistry practices, providing safe, quality and empathetic care at each and every step.

Before your upcoming appointment, you can call us directly to learn more about our different sedation services, ranging from nitrous oxide (aka "laughing gas"), Oral Moderate Sedation and General IV sedation. Our friendly staff can help you determine which is right for you based on your unique needs and provide you with all the necessary information completely judgment-free. We're passionate about making your next dental experience a great one.

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Ready to Schedule an Appointment?

You can schedule your next dental checkup online or by calling us directly. Our team will note any concerns you may have so your entire team is ready and prepared to treat you with the utmost care. We look forward to seeing you soon!

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