Our New Patient Process

Our New Patient Experience

The foundation of good diagnosis is a comprehensive examination, so this is where we begin. If you are due for radiographs (The ADA recommends a full set of x-rays every 18-36 months), then please plan on spending around 90 minutes with us. The doctor will begin by inviting you into our consultation room to review your medical and dental histories, and to explain what we're getting ready to do. You will have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have at this time as well.

With the patient's permission, all necessary preliminary records and diagnostic tests are taken (digital radiographs, impressions for diagnostic study models, etc.). If you have a history of tooth decay with many restorations, or unrestored cavities in your mouth, we will do a test for caries (the disease that causes tooth decay). For more information about caries and it's treatment, please click here.
Then we take a "tour of the mouth" with our digital imaging system. Since health is a process of participation, we like for our patients to be involved even with the examination, so you'll be able to see what we're seeing as we go along. We chart all existing restorations and missing teeth during this step.
A thorough pathology screening is done, we check your lymph nodes/glands underneath the lower jaw, check your bite relationship, and your TMJ. Much time is spent with education along the way. We now have the ability to screen suspicious areas of the mouth with a brush biopsy called Oral CDX. The accuracy of this test is 96%, and it's both affordable and painless.
The last thing we do before the hygienist begins your treatment is our Dental Wellness evaluation and periodontal exam. Based upon your periodontal diagnosis, she will either clean your teeth (a regular prophylaxis), or the appropriate periodontal therapy needed to get you healthy again will be begun. If you have moderate to severe periodontal disease, you would have the option of Laser Periodontal Therapy.

No treatment should be recommended to a patient without first examining and diagnosing them. The treatment should be appropriate for whatever their diagnosis is. This is why we have to examine a new patient before "cleaning" their teeth. Before you've been examined and diagnosed, we don't know what your needs are.

Back one page to Services