Adult's First Visit
Adult's First Visit
In your first visit to our office, our emphasis will be a diagnostic evaluation of your dental health. We will determine what dental work was previously done, the state of your current oral health, and what future services might be needed. Then we can set up the necessary future appointments, give you estimates of what we anticipate the costs may be, what your insurance carrier may cover, and what insurance copays you may have.
First, you will see the hygienist, who will take digital bitewing x-rays to assess if there are any cavities present in areas unable to seen by a visual exam. They will also take a panoral x-ray, which provides a panoramic view of both upper and lower arches, including the tempero-mandibular joints. This enables them to assess what's going on below the gum line, including any abscesses, bone loss, periodontal disease, or impacted teeth. It also provides an additional opportunity to check for cavities in teeth other than molars. At the New Patient visit and all future visits for cleanings and periodic exams and oral cancer examination will also be included.
The hygienist will then use a probe to measure the depth of the gum tissue around each tooth to both assess the periodontal health of the gums and to determine if there is any sign of active gum disease, including bone loss from buildup of plaque and calculus below the gumline.
Finally, one of our doctors will meet with you to do a thorough examination. He or she will look at the x-rays with you and will examine your teeth and gums. The doctors will have the hygienist note any areas that need restorative services and then will collaborate with you on a treatment plan.
During the treatment planning phase, the doctor will discuss the treatment options and make recommendations. Once the plan is agreed on, pre-estimates for costs can be given and future appointments can be scheduled. We also can help you apply for CareCredit or click the button provided to visit their website or begin your credit application.
Please note that the adult new patient appointment does not include a cleaning, as we make assessing your dental health our primary objective in this first appointment. Additional appointments are required to clean and/or perform any necessary dental procedures.