With today's daily grind getting busier and busier, it's hard to get an extra minute. So trying to get a doctor's appointment in between work and play can be difficult – you have to make every moment count.

"Your dentist is a great resource of information concerning overall health as well as your oral health. You should be able to ask him or her any questions you might have," said Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson Manuel A. Cordero, DDS, MAGD.

Here are a few things you can do to make your visit easier.

How to prepare for a dental visit:

• Get a good night's sleep
• Avoid beverages with caffeine or sugar on the day of your visit
• If your dental visit coincides with your mealtime, bring a healthy snack
• Wear comfortable clothing
• Bring a list of medications and vitamins (name and dosage)
• Jot down questions, and bring them with you

What to expect at a dental visit:

• Expect your dentist to perform a thorough examination, detect potential problems and provide an appropriate treatment plan.
• An exam may include some or all of the following procedures:
  • Medical history review
  • Soft and hard tissues examination (bone and teeth)
  • Complete oral and head and neck screening
  • Periodontal (gum) disease evaluation and a detailed charting of your mouth, which may include X-rays

Reviewed: January 2012