First Visit

What to Expect at an Initial Exam

Your initial appointment usually will consist of a thorough and comprehensive examination that will take about an hour or a little longer if you have a complex dental condition. Please note that all new patients over the age of 18 must an initial exam prior to dental hygiene appointments.

Your dentist will use a combination of digital x-rays, intra oral camera images, and a visual exam as tools for your diagnosis. Your dentist will perform an oral cancer screening, check your jaw joints and glands for any abnormal findings, and check for signs or evidence of gum disease. He will evaluate how much time you may need for your first hygiene appointment and thoroughly explain and discuss any findings and necessary treatment. For complex dental conditions, an additional appointment may be required to give the doctor time to formulate and present options for the appropriate treatment required for your care.

We are a quality-oriented office and it starts with our new patient comprehensive exam. I am sure you will be more than satisfied with the treatment you will receive here.

What to Bring

Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your initial exam:

• Any x-rays taken by a previous dentist, if applicable.
• A list of medications you are presently taking.
• If you have dental insurance, please be prepared with your information including the main subscriber’s full name, date of birth, identification number (or social security number if an ID number is not provided), and group number. This will save time and allow us to help you process any claims.

IMPORTANT: All patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Please Notify Our Office If:

• You have a medical condition: i.e., diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves, and joints, rheumatic fever, etc.
• You are currently taking any medication: i.e., heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, etc.
• You require pre-medication with an antibiotics prior to dental appointments.
• You have any allergies that may be of concern prior to treatment: i.e., penicillin, latex, epinephrine, etc.

Dental Hygiene Policy

It is our policy to see all new patients over the age of 18 with an initial exam prior to dental hygiene appointments. The purpose of this is to be sure you are provided with the proper care with respect to what type of clinical hygiene is required. There are conditions that may require a more thorough visit with our Registered Hygienists which would be recognized during your initial exam. Please be aware of this policy when you schedule your initial exam.

Children under the age of 18 who are not being referred to our office for complex dental care may be scheduled directly into hygiene for their initial appointment.