What Can I Expect At My First Visit?
The initial visit sets the stage for all future treatment and begins the good dental relationship we strive to develop. It is a very comprehensive visit, commonly stated by new patients from all over the country as the most thorough dental examination ever received. We reserve from 1 to 1 ½ hour for your initial visit, for you alone, to get to know you and your present oral condition. It is painless, easy, we do all the work, and we will try to inform and teach as much as possible. Bring questions you may have and we promise to really listen to you and hear your concerns and desires. A cleaning visit will usually be scheduled on a different day as it will be based on our findings during this examination.
We will perform the following:
- Thorough health history review and medical conflict evaluation
- Check blood pressure. No one feels high blood pressure, which can cause a heart attack or stroke.
- Compare all medications discretely with an advanced computer program that is updated daily to look for conflicts and to see if any can cause an adverse reaction with your medications, our medications, or treatment. Please be open with us about all medications, herbs, supplements, and drugs (legal or illegal) you are taking so we can be thorough and protect your health. All information will be strictly confidential and we are not judgmental. As examples, if cocaine is used before a dental visit a heart attack can occur after numbing the teeth. Anti-depressants and heart medication can dry the mouth, leading to much oral disease. Many herbs and several supplements prolong bleeding time. Birth control pills can contribute to gum disease and bleeding gums and not protect from pregnancy when taking some commonly prescribed medications. Please make it your responsibility to update your medications/supplements at each visit.
- We will take any necessary x-rays using an advanced digital x-ray system with very low energy and enhanced diagnostic ability, and low emission panoramic device, and we will explain what we have found using a high-definition monitor and lightbox. Current x-rays are a necessity to allow us to examine the hidden areas not seen visually where oral disease frequently occurs. If you do not have current x-rays available and will be declining them please cancel your initial visit with us as we cannot legally or ethically see patients for dental care or evaluation without that important tool. Tumors, cysts, or sinus lesions may be referred to a medical specialist for further evaluation.
- Present a short, informative video presentation about our office, sterilization, what we will be doing and why, and describe our procedures.
- Provide an oral cancer screening and head and neck evaluation, including TMJ, lymph nodes, and thyroid. Detectable skin lesions, enlarged lymph nodes or thyroid gland may be referred to a physician for further evaluation.
- Note all present repairs, needs, and potential problems in your chart.
- Use a diagnostic laser to detect hidden cavities
- Provide a complete periodontal (gum) evaluation. Gum disease is a silently progressing infection you may not be aware you have that is the most common cause of adult tooth-loss and a major source of bad breath.
- View your teeth and any problems we may find with an intra-oral camera so you can see what we see and make informed decisions.
- Discuss our findings in detail, risks and benefits, options (including doing nothing), and answer all of your questions.
- Arrive at a mutual treatment-plan and decide if, and how, you would like to proceed.
- Thoroughly discuss oral hygiene recommendations, beneficial devices and products, and suggest a return professional cleaning interval to help maintain good oral health.