Haven’t Been to the Dentist in a While? Five Tips on What to Do

It’s never too late to visit the dentist.

If you haven’t visited the office of Dr. Stephen J. Spencer in Great Falls, MT, recently, it’s time to schedule an appointment for a dental checkup. Whether you are new to the area, changed insurance providers, or just haven’t had the time recently, don’t let your oral health fall to the wayside. Dr. Spencer and his team are ready to offer tips to help you get your oral health routine back on track.

1. Be honest about how long it’s been.

When it comes to your health, you need to be completely honest with your medical provider. This includes your dentist. It is important for Dr. Spencer and his team to know when you visited the dentist last. Our team will not shame or guilt you—we just need to know for context and treatment purposes. Being transparent with your dental team will allow them to come up with a more detailed treatment plan and ease you back into routine dental care comfortably.

2. Schedule a comprehensive dental evaluation.

If you haven’t seen a dentist in a while, the first thing you should do is schedule a comprehensive dental evaluation at our Great Falls office. At this appointment, Dr. Spencer and his team will give your mouth a complete evaluation. This will include dental X-rays to take a look at the structure of your jaw and teeth, as well as a gentle, professional dental cleaning and polishing.

Since it has been a while since you’ve been to the dentist, our team may recommend an extended dental cleaning, which includes removing any built up plaque on the teeth. Your dentist may also recommend a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that works to fortify the enamel, or outer layer, of your teeth.

Dr. Spencer will also assess your current oral health and discuss the next steps with you without pressure. This dental team just wants you to feel comfortable while you are claiming back your oral health.

3. Ask questions and share your concerns.

Like any medical professional, Dr. Spencer and his team are here to listen to your questions and concerns about your oral health. We feel that open communication is important and often helps patients feel more comfortable in our no-judgement zone. If you have past dental anxiety or bad dental experiences, share those with your dental team. Also bring up any dental issues that you’ve been having recently. Our knowledgeable team is here to listen and address issues. We aren’t here to lecture.

4. Commit to a custom plan—at your pace.

If you are in need of dental treatments, Dr. Spencer will ease you into a treatment plan that is at your own place. Our personalized care plans allow for step-by-step progress that is based on your schedule, and your comfort. We don’t want to overwhelm you and push you away. Our team is on your side, to make sure you are being proactive in fixing any dental issues you may have.

5. Focus on prevention moving forward.

Once you’ve had your initial dental evaluation and have come up with a treatment plan, the team at Dr. Spencer’s office will focus on prevention moving forward in your dental journey. Our team will provide you with personalized dental hygiene tips, as well as care reminders.

At Dr. Spencer’s office in Great Falls, we want to help you start with small, daily dental habits to help you get on track. This includes brushing your teeth at least two times a day for a minimum of two minutes each time, as well as flossing at least once a day. Many dentists will also recommend using mouthwash at least once a day.

Part of a good dental hygiene routine is having biannual dental checkups every six months. These routine appointments serve as preventative care and can help us catch small dental issues before they become big dental problems.

Schedule an appointment today.

If you need a fresh start with your oral health, take the time to contact Dr. Stephen J. Spencer’s office in Great Falls, Montana. We know the first step is the hardest, so taking the jump to call or email us to schedule an appointment is crucial in your dental journey. Remember, Dr. Spencer and his team are not here to judge; instead, we are here to help you get your oral health back on track. Contact us today, and we hope to see you soon!