One-and-done. That could describe some of life’s experiences but a dental follow-up - not so much!
For the sake of your oral health there are occasions where a dental follow-up appointment is vital…and necessary.
What is a dental follow-up?
Prioritizing your dental health means you’ve invested the time to schedule and show up for your dental appointment and you’ve agreed to treatment based on your dentist’s diagnosis.
A high percentage of your routine dental visits and post-treatment protocols will not require an additional follow up.
But some procedures require a secondary appointment.
The goal of dental follow up is to confirm that your treatment was successfuland that there are no complications that require attention.
What happens during a dental follow up?
Consider the post-treatment follow-up appointment as a part of your initial dental treatment plan. In fact, you will likely be informed prior to your procedure if a single follow-up or a series of follow-ups is necessary.
Again, such appointments are essential for a variety of dental procedures. We’ll discuss those in a moment.
A dental follow-up provides your dentist an opportunity to evaluate your treatment results. This can be important especially where healing, comfort, and function are the goals.
During a dental follow-up you can expect:
- Your recovery progress to be evaluated.
- Assurance that your treatment accomplished its purpose.
- Any complications to be examined and corrected.
- An opportunity to ask questions or share your concerns about your treatment.
- Further guidance about maintaining your treatment results.
And…
Consider what could happen if you miss a dental follow-up.
The consequences of ignoring follow-up will depend on the type of treatment you’ve received. Each procedure that relies on a follow-up appointment could put your results at risk if you miss or avoid your recommended follow-up.
For example…
- You could risk infection following an oral surgery procedure. (Infection can be treated with antibiotics.)
- You could experience “dry socket” following a tooth extraction. (The extraction site heals as the tissue clots and stays intact.)
- You could face bone loss following tooth removal. (Bone tissue is preserved by treatment such as dental implants.)
- You could experience shifting teeth due to poorly fitting crowns, bridges, or dental implant failure. (Adjustments, refitting, and diagnostic x-rays can reduce or help solve the issues.)
What are the common procedures that require a dental follow-up?
Your dentist is the trusted resource for your follow-up recommendations. They could request that you schedule a post-treatment visit for the following procedures.
Dental implant treatment
Implants are an oral surgery procedure. Your implant forms a new tooth root that must adapt naturally to your bone and gum tissue over a period of time.
Follow-up monitors the healing process.
A tooth extraction
The tissue that surrounded the tooth must heal properly. Follow-up helps spot any issues with healing or infection.
Orthodontic treatment
Proper fit and tooth movement are key to procedures that include braces or clear aligners. Follow-up confirms that your teeth are moving into proper alignment and if adjustments are required.
Dental crown treatment
It’s common for you to receive a temporary crown while your permanent crown is being crafted. Your temporary crown is removed and replaced during your follow-up.
Denture treatment
Your dentures can slip or move. Follow-up confirms that your denture is fitting and functioning properly and that any movement isn’t causing bone or tissue erosion.
A dental follow-up has your best care results in mind. Like routine check-ups, consultations, and preventive care - a follow-up appointment with your dentist helps assure that your treatment provides the optimum outcome for your oral health.
Virtual dentistry can be a convenient and time-saving option for some dental follow-up scenarios. Consult with your online dentist to determine if your specific treatment could utilize a virtual visit.
Check-out the following resource to explore the benefits of a virtual dental visit:
4 Reasons to Choose a Virtual Dental Appointment
When possible, schedule your dental follow-up with an online dentist on a dedicated virtual dentistry platform
The Dental.com team of dental professionals are trained to identify, diagnose, and treat any dental condition. From toothaches to second opinions - you’re covered!
- Access a 24 hour dentist now from your personal, private, and secure account.
- Select a reason for your visit using a brief questionnaire.
- Receive virtual dental care from a licensed dentist when you provide your issue details, any photos, and/or dental/health records.
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