Your Dental Visit: What to Expect

If you have a dental emergency, help is available. Hospital emergency rooms can treat serious problems. Many dental offices also offer same-day or emergency visits.

At home, brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Floss once a day. Try to avoid sugary and acidic foods, smoking, and sticky snacks.

What to Expect at an Appointment

How often should I go to the dentist?

Most people visit every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. Some people may need to go more often, depending on their needs.

What happens during a typical appointment?

• • Most people go to the dentist every 6 months. At a regular visit, you will get:
    • A teeth cleaning
    • X-rays (if needed)
    • A check of your teeth and gums
    • An oral cancer screening.
  • Your dentist will discuss any findings and make a possible treatment plan.

What should I tell my dentist during the appointment?

Be honest. Share your concerns and answer questions clearly. Ask about anything you do not understand.

Will x-rays be taken at every visit?

Not always. X-rays are taken only when needed. It depends on your health and dental history.

Healthy Habits Between Visits

How can I keep my teeth healthy?

• • Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
  • Floss once a day
  • Avoid sugary and acidic foods
  • Do not smoke.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency?

• • If you have pain, swelling, a cracked tooth, or a tooth that falls out, call your dentist right away. Many offices offer same-day appointments.
  • Examples of dental emergencies include:
    • Bad tooth pain
    • A cracked or broken tooth
    • A knocked-out tooth
    • Swelling in the face
    • A serious cut to the mouth.

What is a dental abscess?

A dental abscess is a swollen area near a tooth or between the tooth and gum. It means there is an infection. A dentist needs to treat it quickly.

Citations

1. 1. Ace Dentistry Family Dental & Cosmetic Dentist. (2025, February 27). First dentist visit: What to expect in Norcross & Alpharetta. https://www.acefamilydental.com/what-to-expect-at-your-first-dentist-appointment/
   2. Penn Dental Medicine. (2024, January 3). How often for routine dental cleanings?: Penn Dental Medicine at PHMC on Cedar. https://penndentalmedicine.org/phmc-cedar-campus/blog/how-often-to-see-dentist/
   3. Cleveland Clinic. (2025, December 19). What is a dental emergency and where to go for care. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11368--dental-emergencies-what-to-do
   4. Cleveland Clinic. (2025, November 17). Oral hygiene: Best practices & instructions for good routine. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16914-oral-hygiene
   5. Delta Dental. (n.d.). How often should I see my dentist? https://www.deltadental.com/us/en/protect-my-smile/visiting-the-dentist/how-often-should-i-see-my-dentist.html
   6. Colgate. (n.d.). Dental visits – The dentist visit and what to expect. https://www.colgate.com/en-my/oral-health/dental-visits/dental-visits-the-dentist-visit-and-what-to-expect