Whether it has been six months or ten years, the first visit follows the same steps. Knowing them in advance takes most of the anxiety out of it.
1. Health history
A short form covering medications, allergies and medical conditions, plus anything you want us to know: sensitive spots, past bad experiences, anxiety. This shapes how the appointment runs.
2. Screening and gum measurements
Your hygienist checks the lips, cheeks, tongue and neck for anything unusual, then measures the gum pocket around every tooth. Six numbers per tooth tell us whether your gums are healthy, inflamed or losing bone.
3. X-rays, only if needed
If you have recent X-rays we can request them. Otherwise, digital bitewings show decay between teeth and bone levels. They use very little radiation and we take only what is needed.
4. The cleaning
Ultrasonic scaling with warm water removes tartar above and below the gumline, followed by hand instruments for detail, polishing and fluoride. If buildup is heavy we may split the cleaning over two visits and use a numbing mouthwash.
5. What we found, in plain language
You see your own numbers and X-rays. If something needs a dentist, we say so and refer you with our records. If a cleaning is all you need, that is what we recommend.
6. Home care and next visit
Specific advice for the areas you are missing, and an interval based on your gums, not the calendar.
What to bring
Insurance card or CDCP letter, photo ID and a list of medications. Allow about an hour. Full details on our new patients page.