What Happens on My First Visit to the Dentist?

If you are new to the Florida area, you probably need to find new healthcare providers and a new dentist. It can be a daunting process after an exhausting move. When you come to Towncare Dental for the very first time, we want you to feel like you have found your forever dentist. We make sure you feel welcome, cared for, and listened to. We have created a comfortable, relaxing space where you can let go of your anxieties. Most of all, we treat you with respect and make sure to keep your well-being in mind with everything we do.

How Do I Check In for My First Visit?

Our friendly front desk staff will be expecting you, so don’t hesitate to walk right into the waiting room. Your initial visit to Towncare Dental will be a bit different from subsequent appointments because we will be collecting information for your patient records. 

We will ask for information like your previous dentist’s contact information so we can request your previous records. We also need medical history information and a list of the medicines you are currently taking. With this information, our dentist will be able to craft a treatment plan that meets your individual needs.

Be sure to bring in your dental insurance card if you have one. We will add that to your file. It will help our bookkeeper to have that information available.

We’ll check you in, and then show you to a chair in the waiting area. A dental assistant will call you in for your exam shortly.

What Is the Exam Room Like? 

Soon, you will hear your name, and one of our dental assistants will greet you and invite you back. The exam room, typically one of several, is clean, tidy and quiet. The assistant will show you to the dental chair, which is lowered to a comfortable height for you. Like all of our patients, we will provide you with a paper shield to wear below your chin. It will protect your clothes from any spills. You may also have the option to wear dark, protective glasses that help block out the glare from the dentist’s exam light.

The hygienist typically comes in to greet you, as do other staff members who have a moment to introduce themselves. They will make sure you are seated comfortably in the chair and can answer your questions. Often, the hygienist may take a quick look inside your mouth to provide the dentist with a preview and/or a heads up if any issues are visible.

What Should I Expect from the Dentist?

Expect a warm greeting when the dentist comes in. As the head of the office, the dentist enjoys greeting new patients like you. After a short, get-acquainted chat, the dentist will take a seat next to your chair and begin your examination.

A thorough look at your gums may be the first order of business. The dentist may take measurements of your gum pockets to record on your chart. Bleeding, swelling and/or a bright red hue to your gums are signs of oral health issues the dentist will need to address.

Next, the dentist takes a good look at each of your teeth, checking interior and exterior surfaces with the help of a dental mirror. The assistant will note any chips, cracks, discoloration and decay on your chart. Additionally, the dentist will ask you to bite naturally, and check to see if your teeth and jaws line up. If there are discrepancies, the dentist will discuss them with you after the exam. Misaligned teeth may affect eating, speaking, and your overall oral health.

Will I Have to Get My Teeth Cleaned?

Although it may not happen during your initial visit, we always recommend getting regular cleanings. They help prevent tooth decay and other dental-related issues. The hygienist will perform your cleaning, using specialized tools designed to reach tight spaces and remove buildup. Don’t worry about the procedure, though. Our hygienist has plenty of experience and the cleaning is virtually painless. It can even be fun.

You will sit in the dental chair, just like during your dental exam. After a quick assessment of your mouth, the hygienist will begin with a probe to check each tooth. With the help of a plaque scraping tool, the hygienist removes plaque and tartar that naturally build up on your teeth in between cleanings. A professional flossing will remove stubborn debris that may be lodged between your teeth.

The hygienist uses a rotary polishing tool and gritty paste to polish your tooth enamel, smoothing out the surfaces and making them sparkle. You might have a chance to choose the flavor you prefer.

After squirting water into your mouth to remove any remaining grit, the hygienist will have you swish the water all around before spitting it out. Be sure to speak up if you need to rinse more than once. We want to make sure that your mouth is as fresh and clean as possible.

What Happens After the Exam?

The dentist will discuss the results of your exam with you, pointing out problem areas on your X-rays and providing you with treatment options and proposed timelines. If you do not have any dental issues, your next appointment will simply be a regular cleaning, but if you do, there is no need to worry. The dentist, dental assistants, hygienist and other staff will ensure your treatment is as easy and comfortable as possible. In other words, they will treat you as one of our own.

A Fresh Start on Your Oral Health

We hope you are just as excited as we are to embark on your oral health journey. It’s a great time to get a great new start on a dental routine that will help you maintain a healthy smile for a lifetime. We are honored that you chose Towncare Dental in Florida to join you.