Office Visits

Your first visit

Your first visit to our office typically includes an X-ray that allows us to view the structure of the jaw, the position of any teeth that have not yet erupted, malformed roots, and tooth decay.

The initial visit involves a review of your medical history. When you share your medical history, be sure to provide complete, up-to-date information on your health. Inform our office if you have experienced a recent hospitalization or surgery, or if you have been ill. Also tell us 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 us of any changes in your health or medications. This information will help us select the safest and most effective method of treatment for you.

Regular checkups

We encourage regular checkups for individuals age four and up. Regular checkups are important to:

• Check for problems you might not see or feel
• Find early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early, while they are still manageable

Regular checkups include a thorough cleaning and polishing, and an oral exam by the doctor. During the oral exam, your doctor will check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue, and will check your existing fillings and restorations because constant pressure from chewing, grinding, or clenching can cause them to wear away, chip, or crack.

Regular checkup appointments typically take about 45 minutes. Patients are seen by appointment only. We make every effort to be on time for our patients, and we ask that you extend the same courtesy to us. If you cannot keep an appointment, please notify us immediately.