New Patient Exam Pre-Visit Instructions
What You Should Do Before Your New Patient Dental Examination Appointment
A new patient dental examination is a crucial step in identifying and addressing potential oral health concerns. At Atlas Dental, we want to ensure you have a smooth and successful experience. Follow these pre-visit instructions to prepare for your appointment and maximize the benefits of your dental check-up.
Fill Out the New Patient Form
Complete the New Patient Form before your visit to save time and provide us with all the necessary information.
Bring Dental Insurance Documents
If you have private dental insurance, bring your insurance card to your appointment. Please note that we do not accept ODSP, OW, or HSO coverage.
Maintain a Regular Eating Schedule
- Eat breakfast and lunch as you normally would on the day of your appointment.
- If you’re experiencing tooth pain, avoid chewing on the affected tooth.
Take Your Medications as Usual
- Continue taking your prescribed medications unless directed otherwise by your doctor or dentist.
- Inform your dentist of any recent changes to your medications or health status.
Manage Pain If Necessary
If you’re experiencing dental pain, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help. For effective relief, consult your dentist for recommended dosages. A typical combination is 1000mg of acetaminophen with 600mg of ibuprofen every 4-6 hours, if no contraindications exist.
Oral Hygiene Tips for Optimal Dental Health
Proper oral hygiene is key to maintaining the results of your dental examination. Follow these tips to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy:
Brush At Least Twice a Day
- Brush your teeth in the morning and before bed as a minimum. For optimal care, brush after every meal to minimize plaque buildup.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging gum tissue. One brand of toothbrush that we highly recommend is the Curaprox CS5460 Ultra Soft Swiss Toothbrush.
- Consider upgrading to an electric toothbrush, such as the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100, for enhanced cleaning.
Floss Daily
- Flossing removes plaque and food debris in areas your toothbrush can’t reach. Aim to floss after each brushing session, but once a day is the minimum.
- Recommended options include GUM ButlerWeave Dental Floss or Sunstar GUM Advanced Care Flossers. For wider gaps between teeth, interdental brushes like GUM Proxabrush are excellent alternatives.
Use a Water Flosser
- Incorporate a Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser into your routine. It’s an excellent tool for flushing out debris missed by brushing and flossing.
Rinse with Antibacterial Mouthwash
- Use a gum care mouthwash daily to reduce harmful bacteria, freshen your breath, and promote healthy gums. We recommend Crest Gum Care Mouthwash Oral Rinse.
Choose a Gum Care Toothpaste
- Opt for a toothpaste that supports gum health, like Crest Pro-Health Gum Detoxify Deep Clean Toothpaste, to prevent gingivitis and other gum-related issues.
What to Wear to Your Appointment
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing to ensure ease during the exam.
- Avoid light-colored tops to prevent visible staining.
- Minimal or no makeup is recommended.
- Avoid high heels, and remove contact lenses and jewelry, especially from the tongue, lips, or ears.
Have Questions?
If you have additional concerns or need more guidance, don’t hesitate to contact us. At Atlas Dental, we’re here to support you on your journey to optimal oral health!
