What happens at my first visit?

Your First Visit

Aesthetic Dental Centers is happy to provide dental services to all age groups and each member of your family. At our practice, our focus is on prevention and education. We want to help you take charge of your own oral health from your very first visit. Each member of our team is available to answer any questions that you may have regarding your dental needs and the services that we offer.

Keeping your regular dental appointments helps to maintain your oral health and spot small problems before they become larger, more expensive ones. We put together this guide to assist you in understanding what to expect at your first dental appointment - whether you are changing dentists, experiencing dental pain, or it is time for your checkup.

Prior to Your First Appointment

When visiting us for the first time, we will ask you to fill out an informational form. This information includes your dental history, informed consent, financial policy, patient financial agreement and medical history.

Be sure to allow sufficient time off so that you are not rushed at your first appointment. If you do not have much available time, you may want to schedule an end-of-the-day appointment so that you can return home immediately after your visit. Please arrive a few minutes early so that you can fill out any necessary paperwork. Be sure to bring your insurance card and driver's license when you check-in with the receptionist.

Your First Appointment

During a normal dental appointment, your dental hygienist will place a paper or plastic cloth on your chest. You will likely see some tools laid out on a tray before you, which will assist your hygienist as they work on your teeth.

Comprehensive Dental Exam

Your comprehensive dental examination will be provided by your treating dentist and involves clinical examination, obtaining and interpreting clinical findings and the necessary X-rays, diagnostic process, and development of an individualized comprehensive treatment and prevention plan. The examination includes:

*Oral Cancer Screening: If you are a smoker, your chances of developing oral cancer are significantly higher than that of a non-smoker. Almost 10,000 people died from oral cancer in 2019. Fortunately, this serious disease is eminently treatable when detected early. We have made a commitment to prevent oral cancer by identifying precancerous conditions early. Your oral cancer screening will involve checking for any spots, growths or swellings, as well as other abnormal conditions.

*Periodontal Examination: Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is the chief cause of tooth loss today. Your periodontal exam involves examining your gums so that we can detect any early signs of gum disease before the condition becomes irreversible. Detecting gum disease early can help to prevent bone loss and the eventual loss of teeth.

*Occlusal Examination: When you bite and chew, a tremendous amount of force is exerted, which can affect the position of your jaw and teeth. We will check your teeth for signs of wear and tear that could indicate a teeth-grinding habit or other medical problems. It is extremely important to intervene early to help prevent occlusal trauma and preserve the natural structure of your teeth.

*Dental Cavities Examination: This part of your exam is when we attempt to detect tooth decay that may be found on the chewing surfaces of your teeth or between teeth. We will utilize both x-rays and a clinical exam to develop the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs.

During your visit, we will also be checking your head and neck, salivary glands, temporomandibular joint and your neck area to make sure you are in good health.

At the conclusion of your first visit with us, we will provide an individualized dental prevention plan to help ensure that you maintain healthy oral hygiene when you are between visits. Please contact Aesthetic Dental Centers today to schedule your first visit or to discuss any dental health concerns that you may have.