Your First Dental Visit

New patients often ask if they can have their teeth cleaned during their first visit. Your dental treatments usually begin at your next appointment, which may be scheduled as soon as the next day. Before scheduling your treatment, including hygiene, your dentist needs to see you first for a comprehensive exam so they can create a treatment plan that addresses any problems you may have, not just the symptoms.

Sitting down and seeing the big picture

You’ll sit down with your dentist to chat about your dental treatment, medical history, and why you’ve come to see the dentist.  Next, is a thorough oral exam to help diagnose any oral health issues and develop a comprehensive treatment plan that’s right for you. This is important, because Aspen Dental dentists believe in seeing the full picture so you can have the healthy mouth you deserve.

Do you need to have your X-rays taken?

A full mouth set of x-rays play a key role in diagnosing problems associated with the structures of the teeth, jaw and the mouth.

For adult patients, x-rays can show areas of decay that may not be visible with visual examinations alone. It is used to find cracks, possible bone loss during periodontal (gum) diseases and other abnormalities like cysts or any other changes linked with metabolic and systemic illnesses. X-rays are also used in planning and preparing dental works such as orthodontics and implants.

For children, x-rays are more commonly used to monitor tooth growth and development and to detect and prevent the early signs of tooth decay.

Developing the right dental treatment plan for you

Your mouth is our mission. That means providing you comprehensive oral care – taking care of the problems that are bothering you today and preventing small issues from getting bigger and more expensive. It means making sure your dentures fit right. It means consistently affordable prices, no hidden fees, and no surprises.

What happens next?

“Comprehensive care”: After your complete dental exam and diagnosis, your dentist will give you advice on how to improve your oral health and will discuss whether you need further treatments. You may be referred to a hygienist or a specialist if necessary. Your dentist will create a treatment plan for you and discuss payment options should you require any dental procedure done.