First Visit Expectations
Don't brush off regular checkups to the dentist! Regular dental checkups are essential to maintaining good oral health. We encourage regular checkups at least every six months. Seeing the dentist twice a year is recommended because your dentist can:
- Check for problems that you might not see or feel
- Find early signs of decay
- Treat oral health problems early, while they are still manageable
Regular checkups include a thorough cleaning, polishing, and an oral exam by the doctor. During the oral exam, the doctor checks the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue. At each visit, the doctor also checks old fillings and restorations because constant pressure from chewing, grinding, or clenching can cause them to wear away, chip, or crack.
Your First Visit
Your first visit to our office typically includes x-rays that allows the doctor to view the structure of the jaw, the position of any teeth that have not yet erupted, malformed roots, and tooth decay. These x-rays also are critical in the diagnosis of gum disease, and the detection of cysts or tumors that can occur in the jaws.
The initial visit also involves getting your medical history. When you share your medical history with the doctor, be sure to provide complete, up-to-date information on your health. Inform your dentist if you have experienced recent hospitalization or surgery, or if you have recently been ill. Also tell the doctor the names, doses, and frequency of any medications you are taking — whether prescription or over-the-counter products — and the name of your physician. Inform the doctor of any changes in your health or medications. It is also important to bring up any fears you may have about dental treatment. We have many ways to help you relax during treatment.
The information collected in your first visit will help the doctor select the safest and most effective method of treatment for you.
A comprehensive dental examination, oral cancer screening and periodontal (gum) evaluation will be performed and afterwards the doctor and hygienist will discuss their findings with you. Any recommended treatment will be clearly outlined for you and you will have the opportunity to have any questions answered.
Regular Appointments
Regular checkup appointments typically take 40 to 50 minutes. Your Doctor or Hygienist may recommend more frequent visits depending on various factors such as gum health, complex dental restorations, or how rapidly tartar accumulates on your teeth. Through regular check-up intervals, our hope is to always find problems early, when they are more easily treated.
Patients are seen by appointment only. We make every effort to be on time for our patients, and ask that you extend the same courtesy to us. If you cannot keep an appointment, please notify us.
