What To Expect At Your First Visit

From the moment you walk in the door, our first priority is that you feel at ease and safe while we provide you with personalized care that suits your individual needs. That’s why we take the time to get to know you and your personal medical and dental history … so we can always ensure that the treatments we recommend are right for your personal situation. If you’d like to save time at your first appointment, please fill in our online intake form. If you’d like to fill out the form when you arrive, please allow for the time it will take and arrive a few minutes early.

When we make any recommendations for your family’s care, we will provide a written treatment plan and discuss your options with you. We live by the golden rule of "treat others as you would like to be treated," so the optimal treatment will be prescribed. We are conscious of the investment you make in your oral health, so it is important to us that you know and understand your options.

The first visit to your registered dental hygienist will take a little longer than your follow-up visits. This is because we take a baseline measurement of the gum health around each of your teeth, so we can help you with improved homecare routines if necessary. Then your hygienist will carefully clean the plaque (a sticky film of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva) from your teeth. You can remove plaque at home by regularly brushing and cleaning between your teeth, but if it hardens into calculus (tartar) only your hygienist can eliminate it. After your teeth are fully cleaned of all plaque and tartar, your hygienist will finish your appointment with a teeth polishing to remove any light staining. Depending on your needs, you may also receive a fluoride treatment.

At your first checkup we create a baseline of your individual tooth health. Starting with diagnostic x-rays (digital for up to 90% less radiation), we check for tooth decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss, and make note of your tooth and root positions. We will also complete a thorough oral cancer exam, visually check for decay, and examine your existing restorations to ensure they are healthy. Also during your first visit we take intra-oral photographs of your mouth to help educate you on basic treatment options and any problem areas. Our first goal is to prevent issues, but when they do occur, it’s important that we find them early so we can save you time in the dental chair … and money.

This is your opportunity to express any concerns you have with your oral health and to work with Dr. Remaley to create a treatment plan that suits your individual needs.