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 also involves getting 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 recent hospitalization or surgery, or if you have recently 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 our office 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. Most people find that it is valuable to have a checkup at least every six months so we can:

• Check for problems that 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, polishing, and an oral exam by the doctor. During the oral exam, the doctor checks the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue. At each visit, we also check old 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 20 to 40 minutes. Patients are seen by appointment only. We make every effort to be on time for our patients, and ask that you extend the same courtesy to us. If you cannot keep an appointment, please notify us immediately.