{"id":251,"date":"2025-07-11T20:35:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-11T20:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/azdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=251"},"modified":"2026-02-17T13:10:23","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T13:10:23","slug":"how-often-should-you-go-to-the-dentist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/azdentistry.com\/blog\/how-often-should-you-go-to-the-dentist\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting Back on Track After Years of Avoiding the Dentist"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Let\u2019s face it, life happens. Between work, family responsibilities, stress, and even dental anxiety, many people put off dental visits far longer than they intend to. What starts as a missed cleaning can snowball into years without seeing a dentist. If that sounds familiar, you\u2019re not alone. We recognise how frightening and embarrassing it can be to visit the dentist after a protracted absence. But here\u2019s the truth: it\u2019s never too late to take control of your oral health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This blog will explain how to schedule your first dental appointment, what to anticipate from your first visit, how frequently you should see the dentist,  considering the importance of routine examinations for your general health, as well as for cleanings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Many People Delay Dental Visits<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are many reasons people avoid the dentist. Some fear discomfort or judgment. Others struggle with the cost of care or don\u2019t have insurance. For some, it simply slips off the radar due to a busy schedule. Deciding to visit the dentist again is something to be proud of rather than embarrassed about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Kathy Jacobsen Contemporary Dentistry, we welcome patients with kindness and without judgment. Whether it\u2019s been two years or ten, our goal is to help you feel comfortable and informed every step of the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to Expect at Your First Appointment Back<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many patients ask about what to expect during their visit, especially when learning how to make a dentist appointment for the first time. If you have not seen a dentist in several years, your initial appointment may take a bit longer than a routine check-up. Typically, the session lasts between sixty and ninety minutes. This gives the dentist enough time to conduct a comprehensive exam, take digital X-rays<\/strong><\/a>, evaluate your gum health, and, if appropriate, perform a thorough cleaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, especially if it\u2019s been several years, there may be plaque and tartar build-up that requires more intensive cleaning than can be done in one visit. In some situations, we might arrange a follow-up for extensive cleaning, also referred to as scaling and root planing. Either way, we\u2019ll clearly explain what\u2019s needed and prioritise treatments so you feel confident in your care plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"First<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How frequently should you schedule visits to the dentist?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once your initial visit is complete, you\u2019ll be on the path toward routine preventive care. A common question among patients is how often they should go to the dentist. An excellent general rule of thumb is every six months. Biannual visits allow us to keep your teeth and gums healthy, monitor any areas of concern, and help prevent small problems from turning into big ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, dental care isn\u2019t one-size-fits-all. Some people need to come in more often, depending on their risk factors, which we\u2019ll help you evaluate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Identifying Your Risk Factors for Dental Disease<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When we talk about how frequently you should visit the dentist, it comes down to one thing: your risk level. Evaluating your oral health risk involves looking at several key factors. We consider your brushing and flossing habits, medical history, gum condition, diet, tobacco use, medications, and even genetics. If we determine that you\u2019re at high risk for gum disease, cavities, or other oral health issues, we may recommend more frequent check-ups, often every three to four months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This isn\u2019t something to be alarmed about. Higher-risk patients simply benefit from closer monitoring and more consistent professional cleanings to keep issues from progressing. The least disruptive and most economical approach to keep your smile healthy is through preventive care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Risks<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Who Needs More Frequent Dental Visits?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although twice-yearly cleanings are effective for many people, some groups should schedule more frequent visits. So, who needs to visit the dentist more frequently than once every six months? In general, this covers those who are more susceptible to oral disease, like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n