The First Visit

We believe that the interests of the patient are best served by having all the facts at our fingertips. To this end we have a dental hygienist who performs rigorous scale, clean and polish and charting of periodontal condition before the examination and treatment of caries is undergone, unless patients are in pain at the first contact with the dentist. A thorough examination of teeth, gums, tongue, lips, jaw joints and related structures is made, and relevant tests done to suspect teeth, with the aid of x-rays, usually a full mouth x-ray is requested along with small bite-wing x-rays. A diagnosis of the condition of the patients mouth is made. Often we will take study models and photographs. We then explain the treatment plan, its implications, cost and time required. This may require a second appointment. During the first appointment the hygienist will explain oral hygiene procedures, methods of prevention of decay and gum disease and prescribed medication and the equipment that is needed to carry out the demonstrated techniques for example tooth brush, dental floss, mouth rinses, dental sticks and interproximal brushes.