How Long Do Dentist Appointments Take: Factors to Consider
When scheduling an appointment, many of our patients ask, “How long do dentist appointments take?” However, the exact amount of time you’ll spend in a dentist’s office depends on several factors, including the reason for your visit.
We know how valuable your time is, though. That’s why we created this guide to the top two factors that influence the length of your dental visit. For more information or to learn more about our dental services in Tucson, contact our team at the dental office of Drs. Dalesandro, Derickson, & Weege today at 520-327-5993.
1. Your Appointment Time Depends on Your Dental Needs
Visiting the dentist takes time. However, the exact amount of time for appointments varies based on the kind of dental services you need. In the United States, most visits to a general practitioner take about 52 minutes.
General practitioners provide regular dental care. During these dental visits:
- Hygienists clean and floss your teeth
- You may get x-rays
- A dentist assesses your overall oral health
In some cases, your dental cleaning may go very quickly. However, appointment times have gotten longer over the years. Today’s patients spend around seven minutes longer at the dentist than they did in the 90s.
Longer appointment times account for changes in the screenings performed by dentists. For example, many dental offices now offer oral cancer screening and other checks that weren’t readily available in decades past.
2. Your Appointment Time Varies Based on Your Dentist
Did you know that your appointment length will vary based on the type of dentist you visit? Generally, you’ll end up with shorter appointments when you go to a specialist, like an orthodontist. According to the American Dental Association, most patients spend about 44 minutes with a specialist, nearly ten minutes less than they’ll spend with a general practitioner.
Often, your general practitioner sends you to a specialist if you need oral surgery or have some severe forms of gum disease. In other cases, patients visit specialists to get braces or other orthodontic appliances.
How Long Do You Have to Wait Before a Dental Appointment?
Our team understands how precious your time is. That’s why we do everything possible to reduce the time you spend in our waiting room. However, you should always expect some waiting time, as we may face unexpected challenges with the patients before you.
That said, most people wait around seven or eight minutes in the waiting room of a dental office. You may get seen more quickly on a slow day, while you may wait longer on a busy day with a full schedule. Generally, waits are shorter if you schedule an early appointment.
How Long Do You Have to Wait to See A Dentist After You Schedule an Appointment?
When you call to set up an appointment with your dentist, you usually have to wait about six days before visiting the office. However, you can get help far more quickly if you have an emergency. Dentists make time to see you as soon as possible if you have a broken tooth, significant oral pain, or other concerns.
Book Your Dental Appointment Today
Now that you know how long dentist appointments take, you’re even better prepared to book your appointment and take the next steps toward improved oral health.
Learn how long it takes to fill a cavity, book your next appointment, and get to know our staff by calling our team at the dental office of Drs. Dalesandro, Derickson, & Weege. Get in touch today at 520-327-5993.
