Been a while since you've visited a dentist? You are far from alone, and coming back is much easier than most people expect it to be. At Southern York Smile Care in Shrewsbury, PA, Dr. Steven Haywood and the team welcome people back every week, with no lectures and no judgment, whether it has been two years or twenty.
Maybe you just moved to southern York County. Maybe life got busy, a bad experience stuck with you, or you simply lost track of time. Whatever the reason, the hardest part is making the first call. This guide walks you through what to expect, how to pick the right dentist, and how to make your return visit calm and useful.
Why so many people put off the dentist
Skipping checkups is common, and the reasons are very human. Knowing them can help you see that your situation is normal.
- Fear or anxiety. A rough visit as a child can leave a lasting mark. The sounds, the smells and the feeling of lying back in a chair can all bring it back.
- Embarrassment. Many people worry about what the dentist will say about their teeth. The longer the gap, the bigger that worry grows.
- A busy life. Work, kids and caring for parents fill the calendar. If nothing hurts, the dentist slides down the list.
- A move. When you move to a new town, finding a new dentist is one more task on a long list.
- Cost worries. Not knowing what care will cost can keep people away, even when the visit itself is simple.
None of these reasons make you a bad patient. They just mean it is time for a fresh start.
What happens at your first visit back
Your first visit is about getting to know you and getting a clear picture of your mouth. Nothing is done without your say-so.
A conversation first
Before anyone looks in your mouth, you get time to talk. Tell the team how long it has been, what worries you, and what you would like to change. If you have a tooth that aches or a filling that broke years ago, this is the time to mention it.
A gentle, thorough exam
Modern tools make the exam faster and more comfortable. Digital X-rays use up to 90% less radiation than older film X-rays. An intraoral camera shows you pictures of your own teeth on a screen, so you see what Dr. Haywood sees. DIAGNOdent, a small laser pen, helps find early decay hiding in the grooves of your teeth. Your exam also includes an oral cancer screening, which matters even more when it has been a while. You can read about each tool on our dental technology page.
A cleaning that takes its time
Every dental cleaning here is a full 60 minutes. If it has been years, there may be hardened tartar below the gumline. The team works at a gentle pace and checks in with you along the way. If your gums need more care than one cleaning can give, you will hear why and what your choices are.
How to choose a dentist who fits you
Coming back is easier when you trust the person treating you. When you meet a new dentist in Shrewsbury or York, it is fair to ask questions, just as you would with any doctor. Here are a few worth asking:
- How long have you been in practice, and what training have you had?
- Do you see whole families, from children to grandparents?
- What would you suggest for my problem, and what are my other options?
- How do you help patients who feel nervous?
- How does payment work, and do you offer payment plans?
Dr. Haywood earned a DDS cum laude in 1987, completed an advanced residency with the US Air Force and has more than 35 years in practice. You can learn more on the meet the doctor page. A good dentist will be happy to answer every question and will never rush you.
Tell your dentist everything
Many patients feel shy in the dental chair and hold back. They do not mention a sore spot, or they say a tooth is "fine" when it is not. Your dentist can only help with what they know about. Clear, honest information leads to better care.
Before your visit, it helps to jot down:
- Any pain, sensitivity or swelling, and when it happens.
- The medicines and supplements you take.
- Health conditions such as diabetes, heart problems or pregnancy.
- Past dental work, and anything about it that went badly.
- What you would most like to change about your smile.
If you are worried about a problem that has not started hurting yet, say so. Catching a problem early almost always means simpler treatment.
If you feel nervous, say so
There is no need to feel self-conscious about a long gap. Dr. Haywood has helped many patients in the same spot and built lasting, trusting relationships with them. The best way to have a good experience is to talk openly. Let the team know what bothers you, and they can adjust: more breaks, a hand signal to pause, or a step-by-step explanation before each part.
If you need care that goes beyond a simple filling, sedation dentistry can help. The office offers oral sedation, a pill that helps you feel calm and relaxed. If fear is the main thing keeping you away, you may find it helpful to read Help! I'm Afraid of the Dentist.
Care you may want to ask about
After a long gap, people often have questions about more than a cleaning. At Southern York Smile Care you can ask about:
- Dentures and dental implants to replace missing teeth
- Emergency dental care for a broken tooth or sudden pain
- Invisalign clear aligners to straighten teeth without metal braces
- TMJ and TMD treatment for jaw pain and clicking
- Restorative dentistry to repair worn, chipped or decayed teeth
As for payment, the office is out of network with every insurer. You pay at the visit, and the office files the claim so your insurance company can reimburse you. Payment plans are available through CareCredit and Cherry. Kelley Fisher, the Patient Care and Treatment Coordinator, can walk you through your plan, your insurance questions and your options. See the financing page for details.
Ready to come back?
The team at Southern York Smile Care works hard to make every visit a pleasant one. It can feel strange to sit in a dental chair after a long time, so the goal is simple: help you feel relaxed, safe and among caring people. Before your first visit, take a look at the new patient information so you know what to bring.
If you live in Shrewsbury, York, southern York County or northern Baltimore County and you are ready to see a dentist again, call (717) 235-3871 or request an appointment. The office is at 4 S. Main St in Shrewsbury, and the team looks forward to meeting you and your family.
DDS cum laude 1987, US Air Force residency, NYU cosmetic training and Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, with 35+ years in practice.
Meet Dr. Haywood →
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I Evaluate your Teeth – You Evaluate Southern York Smile Care