{"id":243,"date":"2026-08-17T18:40:41","date_gmt":"2026-08-17T18:40:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smilesrus.com\/blog\/?p=243"},"modified":"2026-08-17T18:40:42","modified_gmt":"2026-08-17T18:40:42","slug":"what-to-expect-next-dental-appointment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smilesrus.com\/blog\/what-to-expect-next-dental-appointment\/","title":{"rendered":"So You Haven\u2019t Been to The Dentist in A While \u2013 Here\u2019s What to Expect"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"Patient<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

So you haven\u2019t been to the dentist in a while \u2013 that\u2019s okay! Dentists understand that there are many valid reasons patients might \u201cput off\u201d their regular appointments<\/a> (including dental anxiety). It\u2019s also normal to wonder what you should expect when you arrive at the office. It is likely that your dental needs have changed, but don\u2019t worry. Your dentist won\u2019t judge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead, they\u2019ll\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Update Your Health History<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your general health can have an impact on your oral health, so it\u2019s important for your dental team to be up-to-date on any changes. You\u2019ll likely fill out a form ahead of your appointment, but your dentist might still want to confirm the details with you once you\u2019re settled in the patient\u2019s chair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thoroughly Examine Your Mouth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A \u201cregular\u201d exam typically includes a visual inspection of your mouth, along with an oral cancer screening. If it\u2019s been more than a year since your last appointment, you\u2019ll also need some X-rays. X-rays provide your dentist with a view of how the \u201chidden\u201d parts of your smile are doing, like the inner layers of your teeth, the roots, and the jawbone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diligently Clean Your Teeth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Since some time has passed since your last checkup and cleaning, there\u2019s probably more plaque clinging to your teeth and gums than usual. As a result, it might take your hygienist longer than usual to clean your pearly whites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on how consistent you\u2019ve been with brushing and flossing at home, you may even need a deep cleaning, which specifically targets gum-disease causing bacteria. If this is the case, your dentist will likely recommend a follow-up appointment to complete your cleaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Review Your Treatment Plan & Answer Your Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Only your dentist will be able to tell you whether you need crowns, fillings, dentures, Invisalign, etc. Rest assured, if your smile does require additional treatment, your dentist will review your options with you directly. They\u2019ll also readily answer any questions you may have, even if they\u2019re simply about daily hygiene. Not everyone has the same \u201cdental education\u201d \u2013 your dentist will be the first to tell you there\u2019s no shame in asking questions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the end of the day, you and your dentist are on the same team. It\u2019s okay if you haven\u2019t visited their office recently. Be honest, and they\u2019ll help you take good care of your pearly whites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Author<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Anthony Dillard<\/a> has over 10 years of experience in dentistry. He\u2019s seen patients with a wide variety of dental needs and treats each case with careful personalization. After all, no two smiles are exactly the same! Whether it\u2019s been a while since your previous appointment or you just went to the dentist last week, Dr. Dillard and our team will be happy to help you take care of your oral health. Contact our office<\/a> at 972-394-1492 to schedule your next checkup & cleaning today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

So you haven\u2019t been to the dentist in a while \u2013 that\u2019s okay! Dentists understand that there are many valid reasons patients might \u201cput off\u201d their regular appointments (including dental anxiety). It\u2019s also normal to wonder what you should expect when you arrive at the office. It is likely that your dental needs have changed, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-243","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\nHaven't Been to The Dentist Lately? Here's What to Expect | Anthony Dillard, DDS<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you haven\u2019t been to the dentist in a while, your next checkup & cleaning might look a little different. 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