Your first dental visit sets the foundation for lifelong oral health. At Cedarwood Dentistry in Midlothian, we take time to understand your unique needs, answer all your questions, and create a plan that fits you. Whether you’re here for a routine checkup, solving a specific problem, or considering a smile makeover, this guide explains exactly what to expect at your first dentist appointment step by step.
We have different appointment types in which we may first interact with a patient: a Problem-Focused Exam, a Complete New Patient Exam, and a Comprehensive Esthetic and Functional Exam.
Contents
Problem-Focused Dental Exams
In the Problem-Focused Exam, we solely focus on what is bothering you. This may be a painful or broken tooth, wanting to whiten yellowed teeth, pain in your jaw or face, inflammation, or any other specific complaint you may have. The exam will usually consist of x-rays specific to the problem area in your mouth and an exam by the dentist to evaluate and explain treatments. We strive for our patients to leave with their problem fixed in this appointment, but patients may have to return for additional follow-up.
Comprehensive New Patient Dental Exam
A Comprehensive New Patient Exam is more in-depth than a Problem-Focused Exam. It involves a complete set of x-rays, an evaluation of your gum tissue, missing teeth, old dental work, and check for cavities. The four major parts include: a head and neck exam, a hard tissue exam, a soft tissue exam, and x-rays. All four parts are integral to creating a plan for your dental needs.
Head & Neck Exam
In the head and neck exam, we check for lumps, bumps, and spots from the top of your head to the bottom of your neck, as well as inside of your mouth. We check for anomalies that may be abnormal or concerning. A head and neck exam is an essential part of ensuring your total oral health! Many patients are surprised to learn how much your dental team can see about your overall health from this quick exam.
Hard Tissue Exam
During the hard tissue exam, we record missing teeth, previous dental work, and look for new decay. This gives us a baseline of your dental history so we can track changes over time. Identifying early signs of decay or worn dental work helps prevent more serious damage, saving you time and money in the long run.
Soft Tissue Exam
Your gum health is a big part of your overall oral health. During the soft tissue exam, we measure gum pockets, check for exposed root surfaces, and look for bleeding — one of the first signs of gum disease. Healthy gums are essential for keeping your teeth stable and protecting you from issues linked to periodontal disease, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Dental X-rays
A complete set of x-rays is necessary to check the condition of your teeth and the bone around the teeth. X-rays allow us to see between your teeth to check for decay, under your gums to check for bone loss, and at the bottom of the root of your teeth to check for infection. They are an essential part of providing you with a complete look at your current conditions and developing a plan for fixing problems. Learn more with our guide: Why are Dental X-rays Important?
Dental Treatment Plan
During your comprehensive exam, patients typically spend 30 minutes with Dr. Wolberg, who provides you with a treatment plan individualized to your oral and lifestyle needs. The plan consists of a plan to care for your gum and bone health, any cavities that need to be filled, how we can replace teeth that may be missing, and how we can ensure the health of your teeth for the future!
After this, patients then spend one hour with a hygienist to complete a standard cleaning, or begin a deep cleaning. We hope to complete all services at this appointment, but patients may need to return if they need multiple areas of deep cleaning.
Comprehensive Aesthetic and Functional Exam
This type of exam is performed on patients that are interested in completely changing their smile or their bite. At this appointment we will take x-rays, pictures, and complete a treatment plan to best suit the patient’s needs. This appointment may take up to an hour. The patient would normally return for a cleaning or to begin treatment depending on their needs.
Your first visit is the first step in your journey to dental health. We aim to provide you with a personalized plan to achieve your dental goals!
Ready for your first visit? Cedarwood Dentistry proudly serves patients in Midlothian and the greater Richmond area. Call us today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward a healthier smile!