How Patients Should Prepare for Their Dental Visit

By Roxana Ramezani, D.D.S.

You are your own best oral health advocate. Just as the dental office staff prepares for your appointment, you should take every step to prepare for your dental visit. Start by finding the perfect dentist for you. A dental office's website is a great start in your search for a dentist whose personality, work ethic, and experience suit your needs. Once you have gathered basic information, request a tour of their facility and have a consultation with the dentist. This will make your first official visit much less intimidating and stressful!

Here are some suggestions on how to prepare for your visit to the dentist:

  • Before your dental appointment, look in your bathroom mirror under a bright light. Write down any questions or concerns you may have regarding your entire mouth, including the color of your gums and teeth, the integrity of your old fillings, or even the shape of your teeth. Take your notes to your dental appointment and go through them with your dentist. This ensures that you get a very thorough dental examination and leave the office with answers to all of your questions.
  • Ask your dentist if there are signs of clenching or grinding (bruxism) on your teeth, as these habits can lead to head and neck pain. If you suffer from migraines, dental treatment includes mouth guards or FDA-approved appliances such as the NTI-tss.
  • Be proactive about your oral health. Ask your dentist to perform an oral cancer screening. Even though the incidence of oral cancer is low, the screening should take place at every checkup.

Dr. Roxana Ramezani is the owner dentist at Advanced Dentistry located in the community of Santaluz, which is just north of the 56 freeway. She has owned the practice since 2008. Before purchasing her own office she worked in various dental offices all over San Diego.

If you have questions for Dr. Ramezani visit her Dentist Finder Profile or visit her website.