10 Steps of the First Chow Dental Appointment

In 2014, the American Dental Association indicated that 22% of individuals avoid dental visits due to a fear of the dentist.

(Source: www.ada.org/en/science-research/health-policy-institute/dental-statistics/patients)

Dental anxiety is widespread, so we aimed to provide insight into what our appointments entail. While each office varies, here is what our new patients typically encounter during their initial visit:

1. A warm welcome from our friendly doctors and staff!

Our team is naturally warm and friendly, and we always share that warmth with our patients. Our belief is simple: your happiness is our happiness, and vice versa!

2. "How can I help you?"

You visited our office for a reason. Whether it's a routine checkup or a sensitive tooth, we ensure that your main concern is prioritized on the doctor's agenda.

3. X-rays

X-rays are essential for a proper diagnosis and developing your treatment plan. They help us understand the state of both dental health and disease, making them CRUCIAL for diagnosing your dental condition.

4. Soft tissue exam

We look for "lumps and bumps", assess salivary flow, and conduct routine oral cancer screenings. We also check for gum disease (gum bleeding with bone and attachment loss). According to the CDC, 47.2% of adults over 30 in the US have untreated gum disease. This figure rises to 70% infection in adults over 65. Don't become a statistic!

(Source: https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/periodontal_disease/index.htm)

5. Hard tissue exam

This involves examining the teeth themselves.

• Decay - can develop in rough areas of the tooth, between teeth, and around old fillings and crowns.

• Cracklines and fractures - may suggest a need for a filling, crown, or in the worst case, extraction.

• Tooth discoloration - may indicate enamel staining, tooth development issues, or a dead tooth nerve.

• Grinding - a gradual but harmful process affecting both hard and soft tissues. Early detection is crucial! Check out our blog on the risks of teeth grinding (bruxism)!

• Teeth alignment - are your teeth aligned properly for aesthetics and function? Read our blog on the significance of orthodontics - it's not just about looks!

6. Photos

Explaining oral health is challenging without visuals. Photos help patients understand exactly what we mean.

7. Your personalized treatment plan

We display your photos and x-rays on the computer to discuss our findings. This is a dialogue, and we encourage patients to ask many questions and interrupt us as needed. It's your mouth after all, so we want our findings and treatment plan to be completely clear!

8. Teeth cleaning

It's time for your teeth to get a much-needed cleaning! We'll remove plaque, tartar above the gums, and any coffee stains you might have. We also provide a complimentary hygiene kit for you to take home (including a brush, floss, toothpaste, and mouthwash).

9. Any questions?

We ensure all your questions are answered and that your main concerns are addressed.

10. Dismissal and setting up your next appointment!

We hope this post clarifies what to expect during your first dental appointment at our office. We also aim to show the detail and care we dedicate to each appointment. No two mouths are the same, each has its own unique story!