At the first visit to the dentist, our first goal is to consider all of your current conditions and determine the best course of treatment for the future. We typically prefer to not make the first appointment an actual restorative procedure (ex. Filling) since a diagnoses has not yet been made. The obvious exception would be an emergency. This first appointment will include a medical/dental history, x-ray films, a clinical examination, and a cleaning/polish. The information we would collect is used to develop a custom treatment plan for each patient.
When you share your medical history with the doctor, be sure to provide complete, up-to-date information on your health. Inform your doctor 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. This information will help the doctor to select the most safe and effective method of treatment for you.
The films taken at this first meeting will provide much needed information and usually includes a panorex film and bitewings. A panorex is a digital panoramic film that allows the doctor to view the structure of the jaw, the position of any teeth that have not yet erupted, malformed roots, abscesses, and tooth decay. Bitewings provide a view of decay that may form between teeth.
Following an exam, a cleaning is usually done. In many cases we use an ultrasonic cleaner called a cavitron due to its efficiency and thoroughness. An assistant will then floss and polish your teeth so you can leave the office with a clean bright smile. This first appointment takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Regular checkup appointments typically take 30 to 45 minutes.
