First Visit Consultation
Your initial appointment will be a very thorough visit, in most cases requiring a full hour of time. We will collect and review information relating to your medical history and past dental history as well as all pertinent information relating to the problem or reason that prompted your visit. In addition, you will receive a thorough examination of your oral hard and soft tissues, an examination and assessment of your periodontal health, as well as a thorough examination for dental caries (decay) and an evaluation of your existing restorative dentistry. Finally, a functional assessment of your occlusion (bite) and TMJ will be made. Occasionally, as in the case of relatively healthy individuals, certain treatment can often be accomplished at this initial consultation visit. However, in the case of persons with either a complex medical history or those requiring a comprehensive treatment plan, a second appointment will be required to either thoroughly review the diagnosis and proposed treatment plan or to begin treatment.
Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your consultation:
- X-rays (if available)
- A list of your current medications
- If you have medical or dental insurance, bring the necessary policy information with you. This will save time and allow us to help submit any claims on your behalf.
If you have recently had radiographs taken by your previous dentist, you may request that they forward them to our office usually by email. If they cannot be emailed and there is not enough time for them to arrive by mail, if possible, please pick them up and bring them with you for your first appointment. If additional films are necessary, they can be taken at our office. We are very sensitive to a patient’s desire to avoid as much radiation as possible. We will only request those radiographs necessary to provide you the optimal dental care we are known for. Further, to reduce the radiation exposure to patients, we have fully digitized our radiographic equipment and are able to take images at significantly reduced exposure levels (generally one-tenth of those in the vast majority of facilities).
