What to Expect
What to expect at your child’s first appointment.
We refer to a child's first visit as a “happy visit.” This visit is typically recommended for children around the age of three. A happy visit will let them experience the dental chair and if they allow it, have their teeth polished. The doctor will also come in and examine their teeth to make sure there are no cavities or potential dental concerns.
What to expect at your first comprehensive exam appointment.
For an adult, the first visit at our office will be a comprehensive exam. At this appointment you will have a panoramic x-ray, a full mouth series of digital radiographs, and a complete exam, including a periodontal (gum) examination will be performed. After the doctor's examination, the hygienist will go over a proposed treatment plan and discuss different options. At this appointment, a cleaning will be scheduled along with any additional restorative work that is needed. Our finanical coordinator will also be available to go over any financial arrangements that might be needed.
What to expect at your cleaning appointment.
Once a year the hygienist will take digital radiographs and do an examination for periodontal (gum) health. A prophylaxis (cleaning) and polish will be performed. The doctor will also examine teeth for dental decay or potential dental concerns. Cleanings are recommended every six months.
What to expect at your sealant appointment.
Dental sealants are placed on children’s first and second molars. First molars usually erupt around age six and second molars around age twelve. A protective barrier is placed in the pits of the tooth. This helps prevent the biting surface of the tooth from decaying. The tooth may still have the potential to decay on the interproximal (inbetween) surfaces if the patient does not floss. The tooth is prepared by cleaning the debris from the occusal surface (biting surface) of the tooth. It is then etched, sealed, and light cured. Sealants last for about five years.
What to expect at your scaling and rootplanning appointment.
At the comprehensive exam, periodontal (gum) disease could be diagnosed. If so, the treatment required may require several appointments. At the first treatment visit, nitrous oxide and anestheia (localized) will be offered. The hygienist will then begin the scaling process. After the hygienist completes the scaling and rootplaning she will apply medications and go over the homecare instructions. After a full mouth treatment is completed, it is necessary to remain on a three month maintenance schedule.
What to expect at your Zoom appointment.
Our office offers many whitening options. Zoom is an in-office whitening laser treatment. At the appointment impressions will be taken in order to fabricate bleaching trays so that new white smile can be maintained. To start, a beginning shade and photograph will be taken. The next step is preparing the teeth for the whitening procedure. The teeth will be polished and the soft tissue will be isolated from the laser light. There are three 20 minute applications of whitening solution. After the whitening process is complete, a fluoride treatment will be given to prevent sensitivity. Then, a final shade and photograph will be taken. Most people experience slight to moderate sensitivity. Using a sensitivity toothpaste prior and immediately following the appointment will greatly reduce the sensitivity.
What to expect at your crown appointment.
When preparing a tooth for a crown, two dental visits are usually required. The first visit involves examining and preparing the tooth. The second visit involves placement of the permanent crown.
First Visit: Examining and preparing the tooth.
At the first visit, the dentist may take a few X-rays to check the roots and surrounding bone of tooth receiving the crown. If the tooth has extensive decay or if there is a risk of infection or injury to the tooth's pulp, a root canal treatment may first be performed.
Before the process of making the crown is begun, the dentist will anesthetize (numb) the tooth and surrounding gum tissue. Next, the tooth receiving the crown is filed down along the chewing surface and sides to make room for the crown. The amount removed depends on the type of crown used (for instance, all-metal crowns are thinner, requiring less tooth structure removal than all-porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal ones). If, on the other hand, a large area of the tooth is missing (due to decay or damage), the dentist will use filling material to "build up" the tooth to support the crown.
After reshaping the tooth, an impression will be taken. Impressions of the teeth above and below the tooth to receive the dental crown will also be made to make sure that the crown will not affect the bite. The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where the crown will be manufactured. The crown is usually returned to the dentist's office in 2 to 3 weeks. If the crown is made of porcelain, the dentist will also select the shade that most closely matches the color of the neighboring teeth. During this first office visit the dentist will make a temporary crown to cover and protect the prepared tooth while the crown is being made. Temporary crowns usually are made of acrylic and are held in place using a temporary cement.
Second Visit: Receiving the permanent dental crown.
At the second visit, the temporary crown will be removed and the permanent crown’s shade and fit will be checked. If everything is acceptable, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the tooth and the new crown is permanently cemented in place.
What to expect with root canal treatment.
A root canal is a dental procedure to fix a tooth that cannot be filled or restored any other way. If the tooth is severely decayed into the pulp of the tooth and or infected, root canal treatment is usually the only option to save the tooth. The regular dentist might do the root canal, but he/she may refer to a root canal specialists (endodontist).
What to Expect.
After the tooth has been numbed, the dentist will then prepare the tooth by drilling an opening. After the dentist removes all of the decay and bacteria, he/she will use root canal files to clean out the canals (roots) of the tooth. Root canal files are small instruments that increase in diameter and fit down into the canals enabling the dentist to remove the pulp of the tooth. At the final stage of root canal treatment, the dentist will usually fill the canals with a rubber filling material called gutta percha. After the canals are filled, a regular filling will be placed in the tooth.
Facts to Consider.
After a tooth has had a root canal, it can become dry, brittle and easy to break. A crown is usually recommended to restore the tooth properly. Although the cost of a root canal is expensive, the only other alternative to a root canal is the removal of the tooth. If the tooth is removed, a bridge, implant or partial is recommended to fill in the gap so that other teeth do not become crooked due to shifting.
Patient Forms
Please help us prepare for your first appointment by completing the Medical History form. Download and complete the form and bring it to your first appointment.
Medical History