Do I need to arrive early for my first appointment?
Yes. Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to fill out any remaining patient forms and to confirm your dental insurance plan.
What should I do if I require premedication?
Guidelines for pre-medication change from year-to-year and depend on the type of joint replacements you have. We advise contacting your doctor to help us decide what type of antibiotic to use and for what duration prior to dental procedures. If you are unsure if you require pre-medication, please contact us and we can help.
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
Please bring the following items with you to your appointment:
Patient Welcome Form (front and back filled out)
Dental Insurance Card (if applicable)
Patient Consent Form
Identification such as Driver's License, Military ID or State ID
How long will my first appointment last?
It varies, but please plan on 1 to 1.5 hours for the first visit.
Why should I go to the dentist regularly?
Many people do not see a dentist on a regular basis. They only go when they have a problem. This is known as "crisis treatment" versus "preventive treatment." While these patients may feel they are saving money, it often ends up costing much more in dollars and time. This is because many dental problems do not have symptoms until they reach the advanced stages of the disease process. An example is tooth decay. It is typical to hear, "Nothing hurts... I don't have any problems."
Tooth decay often does not hurt until it gets close to the nerve of the tooth. It is not uncommon to see a patient with a huge cavity who has never felt a thing. The dentist can usually detect a cavity 3-4 years before it develops any symptoms. This early detection can help you prevent root canal treatment or extraction.
Why should I floss, isn't brushing enough?
Flossing reduces the number of bacteria in your mouth. There are millions of these microscopic creatures feeding on food particles left on your teeth. These bacteria live in plaque which can be removed by flossing. Brushing your teeth gets rid of some of the bacteria in your mouth. Flossing gets rid of the bacteria the toothbrush can't get to. That's the bacteria hiding in the tiny spaces between your teeth. If you do not floss, you allow plaque to remain between your teeth. Eventually it hardens into tartar. Plaque can be removed by brushing. Only the dentist or hygienist can remove tartar.
Ask us to show you the proper way to floss. We will both notice the difference at the next cleaning appointment.