An efficient imaging appointment largely depends on a few simple preparations. When you come with the right information, unnecessary repetition is avoided and it becomes possible to complete your evaluation in the same session. Preparation before tomography does not require a complicated procedure; you are not asked to fast, stop your medications or follow a special routine. As DijiDent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic, we have prepared this short guide for our patients in Türkiye.
What You Should Bring with You
- Your previous images: Panoramic film, single-tooth film or a previously taken tomography. If there is a digital file, be sure to bring it.
- Your medication list: The names and doses of all medications you use regularly.
- Your medical reports: Relevant documents if you have a history of chronic disease, past surgery or oncological treatment.
- Your removable dentures: If you use them, have them with you even though they will be removed during the scan.
- Your questions: Noting down the questions that come to mind ensures you do not forget any of them at the appointment.
What You Must Report
Pregnancy or the Possibility of Pregnancy
This is the most critical information. During pregnancy, non-urgent imaging is postponed. Share it even if you are not sure; the decision is made together.
Medications You Use
Blood thinners, medications affecting bone metabolism and diabetes medications can directly affect the subsequent treatment plan. Although they do not pose an obstacle to imaging, they are important for planning. Do not stop your medications on your own decision.
Recently Taken Images
If you have had imaging at another center in recent months, mention it. If there is a current and adequate record, a repeat scan may not be necessary.
Claustrophobia and Anxiety
Dental tomography devices have an open structure; you do not enter a closed tunnel. Nevertheless, if you are anxious, let us know, and we will explain the process step by step.
Clarify Your Complaint
Imaging is done to seek an answer to a question. For this reason, describing your complaint as concretely as possible directly makes the process easier. Information about when the pain started, in which situations it increases, whether heat or cold triggers it, and whether it is constant or occurs from time to time is valuable. The statement “the left side of my mouth hurts” and the statement “my lower left back tooth throbs with cold and gets worse at night” lead your dentist to completely different evaluations.
Practical Notes for the Day of the Scan
- Jewelry containing metal, glasses, hair clips and piercings are removed. Leaving them at home makes things easier.
- You can choose comfortable clothing that does not contain metal buttons or zippers and does not constrict the neck area.
- You do not need to fast; continue your normal meal routine.
- After the scan, you can drive and return to work. No restrictions arise.
Patients with Disabilities and Limited Mobility
For our patients who use a wheelchair or cannot stand for long periods, positioning can be planned differently. Some devices are suitable for scanning in a seated position. Mentioning this when booking your appointment allows us to prepare in advance and ensures you do not struggle when you arrive at the clinic.
For Those with a Sensitive Gag Reflex
During a tomography scan, no tray or impression material is placed in your mouth; therefore, the difficulty experienced with conventional impressions does not apply here. You only touch the chin support. Nevertheless, if you are uneasy, tell your dentist.
About the Appointment Time
Since imaging is usually done in the same session as the examination, arriving on time for your appointment is important so that your evaluation can be completed on the same day. In case of lateness, even if the scan can be taken, there may not be enough time left for a detailed evaluation. If you have a busy schedule, mentioning this when booking allows us to plan the process accordingly.
How Should You Prepare Your Child?
Word choice directly shapes a child’s expectations. Instead of expressions like “it won’t hurt” or “don’t be scared,” a concrete and calm explanation such as “the machine will make a turn around you, you will just stay still for a few seconds” is more effective. Before the scan, we show the device and answer the child’s questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. No fasting or dietary restriction is required.
Yes. Medication does not need to be stopped for imaging. If your dentist has given a separate instruction, follow it.
The scan is completed within seconds. Including preparation and positioning, setting aside a short time is sufficient.
No. Fixed restorations are not removed; only removable dentures and accessories are taken out.
Of course. Especially for children and anxious patients, being accompanied makes the process easier.
Dental imaging is not considered a procedure that affects breastfeeding. Nevertheless, let us know about your situation.
Come prepared and make progress in a single appointment.
Contact us to book an appointment so that your examination and, if necessary, your imaging can be completed on the same day. Let us plan your process without losing time at DijiDent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic.
This content is for general information purposes. Preparation requirements may vary according to the clinic and device protocol; confirm with your clinic before your appointment.
