Determine Your Needs
Before going to the dentist it is necessary for patients to understand what they are expecting from their care provider. If a perspective patient is interested in certain services they should research whether the dental office they are going to provides these cosmetic procedures. Also asking about insurance coverage acceptance is important before scheduling an initial consultation. Discussing any fears and previous negative experiences with dental care with the person who is scheduling the appointment can be helpful for people who are nervous about returning to receive dental care.

Gather Dental Records
When a dentist is provided with the proper access to important information about a patients dental history they are better able to address any existing problems. Gathering all records prior to going to an initial consultation will also give the dentist the opportunity to look over the information prior to the appointment. This can save time during the initial consultation so that the process moves quickly to avoid any nervous energy which may exist in the patient. Having access to records will also allow the dentist to know of any weak spots in the mouth of a new patient.

Make a List of Questions
It is important to be prepared when going to the dentist for the first time in a while. Making a list of questions regarding proper dental health is always a good idea for patient. There are certain behaviors which can help a patient to improve their overall oral health. Making note of any dental pain which the patient has had in the past can help to address any larger concerns which may need to be investigated further by the dentist. If a person is concerned about the pain of any procedures they should ask about the use of drugs to help relax them prior to the procedure. The more honest that the relationship between patient and dentist is, the easier it can be to maintain proper oral hygiene.

Gather Medication List
A dentist often needs to be told about the medications that a person is taking in order to create a treatment plan. There are some medications which can cause medical difficulties and impact the strength of the teeth. Making a list of medications will also help the dentist to plan which sedatives to utilize in the event there is a need to use a drug to help the patient relax during an intense procedure. More information is usually best when trying to help the dentist understand the concerns of a patient. Certain drugs can also impact on the length of time it will take for dental procedures be completely healed.