Perhaps you went for years without going to see a dentist because you didn't have insurance or the money to pay for services. Or, maybe dental health wasn't a priority. If you have decided that now is the time to go to a dentist, you have also realized that good dental hygiene and regular dental care is important to your health. Here is some information that will hopefully help you as you get started.

Get Started - Finding the right dentist is obviously your next step.

• Did you know that you can get dental work performed by those who are training in that field? There is careful supervision by the clinical faculty as students work on the general public, so you will be in safe hands. In most cases you will have to qualify to receive the services. You'll go through a screening process, including your overall health history and financial history. Your first visit is usually free, although you may have to pay for x-rays. They'll tell you ahead of time so that you can be prepared.
• If you go to a dentist that is already set up in a practice, it's a good idea to find a general dentist who will do dental work for your entire family. Besides liking the dentist, be sure that you communicate well with the hygienist and the other office personnel. You should always be treated professionally and courteously. A good first step is actually visiting the dental office to meet the staff and the dentist.

The First Visit - After filling out papers that include a health form, insurance information, and contact information, you'll be called back to have work done by the hygienist.

• Since you haven't been to a dentist in a long time, x-rays will probably be taken, You'll have your teeth cleaned, too.
• After the hygienist has taken care of the cleaning and x-rays, you will see the dentist. The dentist will review the x-rays and will thoroughly examine your mouth. If you've chosen the right dentist, you won't feel embarrassed about the fact that you've waited a long time to take care of your dental needs.
• Depending on what your dentist finds, you'll probably be set up for several follow-up appointments.

Follow Up - By now you should be feeling really good about the fact that you have gotten started and you're happy to proceed:

• If you are extremely lucky and you don't have too many cavities, they can be filled during one visit. If you have lots of them, expect to have the work done performed at more than one session.
• If you have teeth that absolutely cannot be saved, the dentist will recommend having them pulled. Don't worry! False teeth have been turned into almost an art form and yours will look and feel great.
• If you have excessive dental trauma, cracked teeth or if you need root canals, your dentist will probably refer you to an endodontist.

Congratulations on beginning the process to restore your dental health. 

To learn more, contact a dental office like Family Dental Office.