What to Expect at Your First Visit

Switching dentists is one of those chores people put off for years. Most of the anxiety is about the unknown, so here is exactly what happens when someone new walks through our door.

Before you arrive

When you call, we’ll ask for your insurance information and check your benefits that day. That way you know before you sit down whether your cleaning is covered and how much of your annual maximum is left. The evening before, you’ll get a text with a link to your health history and consent forms.

If you’ve had X-rays in the past year, tell us where. Most offices will send them over within a day, which can save you a set.

The appointment itself

Plan on about 90 minutes. The first part is a conversation: what’s worked with past dentists, what hasn’t, and anything that’s been bothering you. Then come X-rays, a full exam by one of our dentists, and a cleaning.

You’ll see your own X-rays and intraoral photos on the screen. We think people make better decisions when they can see the chipped filling instead of just hearing about it.

Questions worth asking

• Is anything urgent, or can it wait until my benefits reset?
• What happens if I do nothing?
• Is there a less expensive option that’s still a good one?
• How often should I come in, given my gums and history?

There are no wrong questions, and nobody here will lecture you about how long it’s been.