What to expect during your first dental visit in Woodbridge
Your first appointment with us is the start of a long term relationship that’s all about keeping your teeth and gums healthy and improving them. Knowing what to expect at this first visit will help you feel less anxious and get the best care for your needs. At Dentistry on the Pines we want first visits to be thorough but also relaxing so patients and our dental team can get to know each other.
Before you get to our office our administrative staff will call you to fill out the relevant paperwork and give you information about your appointment. We recommend getting here 15 minutes early to fill out the paperwork, go over your medical history and ask any questions you have about insurance or payment options. Bring your insurance cards, ID and a list of the medications you are currently taking and the check in process will be much smoother.
The first step in your dental visit is to fill out a medical history review form. This is because your overall health affects your oral health and how your treatment will be planned. We go over any medical issues, medications, allergies or past dental experiences that could affect your care in great detail. This thorough review helps us understand your specific health needs so we can tailor our treatments to meet them.
The first exam includes a full check of your teeth, gums and other parts of your mouth. While checking the status of any existing dental work our dentist will look at each tooth for signs of decay, wear or structural issues. This visual exam gives you important baseline information about your mouth right now.
To check the health of your gums and look for early signs of gum disease a periodontal assessment measures the depth of the pockets around each tooth. We gently probe to see how well your gums are attached to your teeth. These measurements help us determine if you need regular cleanings or more specialist treatments for your gums.
Oral cancer screening is an important part of every first visit since finding it early makes treatment so much more effective. We will carefully examine your lips, tongue, cheeks, throat and neck for any lumps, lesions or changes in colour that may need further testing. This quick screening could save your life and is worth its weight in gold.
Digital X-rays are usually done on the first visit to find problems that can’t be seen with the naked eye. These x-rays show cavities between teeth, bone levels around roots and other problems that are happening below the surface. Modern digital technology reduces radiation exposure while giving you great image quality for diagnosis.
Depending on how your teeth and gums look, professional cleaning may be part of your first visit. Our trained hygienists remove plaque and tartar and teach you how to care for your teeth at home in a way that works for you. The Dental Hygiene services you get on your first visit sets the stage for your mouth to be healthy between visits.
After the full exam and diagnosis treatment planning begins. We go over any issues that came up during your assessment and create personalized treatment plans that meet your needs. We put the pressing needs first and also take into account your preferences, schedule and finances.
We want you to understand your dental health and why we make the recommendations we do so patient education is very important on first visits. We take the time to explain the results of your exam, show you areas of concern with intraoral cameras and answer any questions you have about your dental health or the treatments we suggest.
Cost estimates and checking your insurance may help you understand the cost of the recommended procedures. Our administrative staff will work with your insurance company to find out how much of your care is covered and give you estimates for any procedures that aren’t fully covered. We will talk about payment plans and other ways to get the care you need.
Family Dentistry knows that first visits need to be different for people of all ages and comfort levels. Kids need gentle, patient focused methods that make them feel good about going to the dentist, while adults may need more in-depth information about complex treatment options. We tailor our approach to fit each person’s needs and wants.
Scheduling follow up appointments ensures that your care continues based on what you found during your exam and what you need for treatment. We will recommend the right times for your routine care and set up any treatment sessions that are needed. Regular maintenance appointments will keep the benefits of your original full care.
When you come in for your first visit we will give you emergency contact information so you know how to get in touch with us if you have a dental emergency. We will go over what to do in case of an emergency after hours and give you tips on how to handle common dental emergencies until you can see a dentist.
The technology demonstration shows you the diagnostic and treatment technologies we use in the office. You will appreciate the quality and accuracy of current dentistry more when you know how digital X-rays, intraoral cameras and other modern tools benefit your care.
During your first visit we will go over the comfort amenities and practice policies so you know what to expect at future appointments. We want you to feel at home and welcome in our office and we want you to know how to schedule appointments, pay for services and communicate with us.
Your first visit to the dentist in Woodbridge is the start of a long term relationship to help you achieve and maintain the best oral health for the rest of your life. Call Dentistry on the Pines today to book your first full visit. You’ll see how much better your life can be with specialized expert dental care.