Routine dental check-ups are not only one of the more important things you can do for your health, but they can also save you time and money. Practicing good daily oral care and seeing your dentist can also reduce your risk of serious health problems.
Read below to learn about what to expect during your dental visit.
Keeping up with your oral health care is important! Due to COVID-19 precautions, you should know your dental visit may look a little different.
Check out these resources for more information:
What You Should Know About Returning to the Dentist During COVID-19 Flyer
What You Should Know About Returning to the Dentist During COVID-19 Video
A dental visit for your baby is faster than a full exam. Often babies can stay in a parent’s or caregiver’s lap the entire time. The dentist may check your baby’s mouth by looking inside or rubbing a finger on the gums and teeth. This will not hurt your baby in any way. During your baby’s first dental visit, the dentist will make sure your baby’s gums and teeth are in good shape. Your dentist will also talk with you about:
View the resources below for more information:
First Tooth, First Birthday, First Visit Fotonovela
Is it Teething Time for Your Baby? Infographic
During your child’s visit, the dentist might want to take x-rays of your child’s teeth. X-rays are done at least once a year to check development and look for problems, like early signs of cavities. Your dentist or a hygienist will then clean your child’s teeth with several tools specially made to remove plaque and tartar in a process called scaling. They will finish up by polishing and flossing your child’s teeth. If your child already has molars, the dentist will look to see if your child needs sealants, which are covered through the Medi-Cal Dental Program. Molar sealants are coatings placed on top of the teeth farthest back in the mouth and protect against harmful bacteria and cavities.
View the flyers below for more information about good oral health for your child and to learn about molar sealants:
Toothy Tips for Parents Flyer
Molar Sealant Infographic
If this is your first dental visit, you may have a full set of x-rays taken of your teeth and you will be asked about your dental history. The dentist will look for problems with your gums and teeth and recommend preventive or restorative services. Preventive services protect your teeth from disease. Fluoride treatment is an example of a preventive service for children and adults covered by the Medi-Cal Dental Program. Restorative services fix teeth, such as a crown on a cracked or chipped tooth or fillings where there is tooth decay. As you age you may lose some of your teeth to disease or injury, your dentist may recommend partial or complete dentures. The dentures and services to maintain and keep them in good condition are free or low‑cost services covered by the Medi‑Cal Dental Program.
For more information about oral health as you age, view the Medi-Cal Covers Dental Care for Seniors flyer.
*Crowns on molars or premolars (back teeth) may be covered in some cases.
Before you leave the dentist office:
Emergency services for eligible children and adults are covered by the Medi-Cal Dental Program. It is important you seek care right away if you injure your teeth or are experiencing pain. Call your dentist’s office and tell them what happened. If your dentist’s office is not open or if they recommend you go to the emergency room, go right away.
For more information on what to do during a dental emergency, visit our Common Questions page.
If you fear going to the dentist, you are not alone. About 30 to 40 million Americans do not go to the dentist because of anxiety or fear. Dental anxiety develops for many reasons, such as:
The key is to discuss your fears with your dentist and hygienist. They will work with you to determine the best ways to make you less anxious and more comfortable. Below are five quick tips dentists recommend to help calm your anxiety:
