A lot of people think they can just show up with their dental insurance card at their first dentist appointment at a new dental office, and that's all they'll need. There are actually other things that you'll want to know before you arrive to help out the office and your dentist.
You don't want to show up and find out that you don't have the coverage you need, or not know what the coverage carries. You also want to be able to answer any questions the dentist has about your oral health. Below are the items to bring.
Discount Card or Insurance Plan
Let the office know in advance if you are using a dental insurance plan or a dental discount card. The cost for your services may vary depending on what your needing, and one or other may not cover what you need to have done. Bring both of these with you to the appointment. You also usually need the social security number of the person that the dental insurance plan is through.
List of Dental Products
The dental products that you use on a daily basis could be damaging your gum tissue or teeth, and your dentist may want to know what you use when you get in there. You need to know the exact brand name and type of paste, mouthwash, floss, bleaching treatments or other items that you use. The dentist may use this list to determine why you have discoloration or other problems.
Dental History and Family History
If you have parents or others with a family history of early gum disease, cavities and other oral health problems, these issues may be hereditary. You want to have your family oral health history with you, along with records from other dental appointments that you've had in the past. If you have blood pressure problems, heart disease or diabetes, these could also be affecting your smile.
If you are going to the dentist for the first time in years, make sure that you can get your teeth cleaned and you can get the oral checkup that you need. Provide your dental office with all of this information so the dentist can see if you are at a higher risk for oral health problems because of your genetics or because you have other health complications. There are many dentists that are willing to take patients that have gone years without treatment, so find a family dentistry office and get going.
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