Your follow up visit to our office or a follow up consultation visit with our doctors is an important meeting that can be most effective if you plan ahead. Research and the American Dental Association advises visiting the dentist at least once a year; scheduling a follow up visit every six months can help you avoid several oral health issues and patients who are more involved with their care get better results. The following checklist will help you become more active in your healthcare and get the most out of each follow up visit.
Before you Go
Before you Go
Find out the locations and basics about our dental office.
- Where is it located? What time should you arrive? If you're going to drive, how much time will it take for you to reach? Do you need to bring your previous prescription records/card or a medical referral?
Assemble your Dental Treatment Records
- Compile medical/dental documents and records to take to the dentist's office. These may include:
- Relevant dental/medical records from other dentists/doctors.
- Blood test Results and copies of x-rays and other imaging studies.
- Results from any other lab tests
- All the medications/drugs you take regularly, including any Ayurvedic tonics, multi-vitamin supplements and any over-the-counter medications you may be taking
- Your dental/medical history, such as any prior treatments or any procedures for heart or thyroid problems
- Past surgeries, even if those are not related to your current dental problems
- All allergies (rash, hives, swelling) or unexpected reactions (nausea, drowsiness) to any medications
- Any medical problems or history that run in your family or with other family members
- Your concerns about your current dental condition (pain, loss of teeth or chewing function or mobility of teeth)
- Consider asking a family member or a friend to accompany you to help ask questions even though most of the information your doctor provides will be shared over email and whatsapp. If you need a translator, ask another adult to come with you; do not rely on an underage adult to translate.
At Our Office
At Our Office
Arrive about 5-10 minutes early to dental office. This will give you needed time to complete any required forms or x-rays before meeting your dentist.
Be Honest in sharing your Dental Treatment Records
- Share your problems and point of view and do not withhold any information that you think may be unimportant or embarrassing, such as incontinence or memory loss.
- Ask what to expect from your treatment. Find out what effect it will have on your daily activities, and what you can do to prevent further dental problems. Ask for more information to take with you. Ask your doctor for handouts or brochures that you and your family members can review at home. Your doctor may refer you to a website for more information.
- Talk to the other members of the team who can also address any questions or concerns.
- List out the main points: It might be fun to share news and well being of the children and family members, but keep it short to get the most out of your time with the doctor.
When you get Home
When you get Home
- Review the materials your dentist or office gave you.
If you cannot remember something, or if you do not understand your notes, call the office and speak to a member of our healthcare team. - Follow your dental office instructions.
Take the full course of medication and make sure you follow the prescribed diet or routine. Remember, you are a part of your healthcare team, too. - Keep your dentist or dental office informed.
Follow up with your dentist on results, adverse reactions to medication, or any complications or worsening of your oral condition.
Frequency of Follow up Visit
Frequency of Follow up Visit
The patient's age and oral health will determine how frequently they should visit the dentist for a follow up visit. The purpose of the follow-up consultation is to avoid or look for any complications or other oral issues that may have arisen. Therefore, the dentist may advise a checkup once every three months to two years, depending on the health of the patient's gums and teeth.
