Congratulations! You’ve just scheduled your first dental appointment with Smile New Braunfels! That means you’re well on your way to getting the healthy smile you’re looking for. But, you may be wondering what exactly is going to happen at your new patient visit. This handy guide will walk you through what your dental appointment will look like from start to finish. We want our new patients to feel comfortable, knowledgable, and excited about their dental care, so read on to learn everything you need to know!
Step 1: Check in and fill out your New Patient Paperwork
When you arrive at Smile New Braunfels, check in with our staff at the front desk. They will provide you with your new patient paperwork to fill out. This paperwork asks for your insurance information for verification purposes, your medical history and medications, and includes a sleep apnea questionnaire. This short questionnaire identify your risk factors for and common symptoms of sleep apnea. This will let Dr. Peck if sleep apnea treatment is something that should be discussed during your appointment.
Step 2: X-Rays & Visual Exam
After you are escorted back to one of our comfortable exam rooms by the dental assistant, Dr. Peck will come and introduce himself and ask a few questions about your dental history and any issues you’d like to discuss during your appointment. Then, the dental assistant will take a full set of x-rays. Dr. Peck will come back and take a look at your x-rays to see if there are any problems that need to be addressed, such as decay or damage. Dr. Peck will then complete a comprehensive exam of your teeth, mouth, gums, and jaw. The exam will also include:
Oral cancer screening: We will examine the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
Gum disease evaluation: We will check your gums and the bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
Examination of existing restorations: We will check all of your current fillings, crowns, bridges, etc.
During the examination process, be honest with Dr. Peck about any issues you are experiencing, and any goals you have for your smile. Our goal is to give you the smile of your dreams, whether that’s one thats just a few shades whiter, one with a full set of crowns or veneers, or just one that’s healthy and plaque-free.
If he identifies any dental issues, Dr. Peck will fully explain his findings and provide treatment options that fit with your budget, timeframe, and goals. Your dental care is important to us, so will make sure you are receiving the best possible treatment.
Step 3: Dental Cleaning
After your exam, our dental hygienist will start the teeth cleaning process. Your cleaning will include the following:
Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.
Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
Teeth polishing: Removes stains that you may not be able to remove during regular tooth brushing.
After your cleaning, your teeth will feel clean and shiny. For patients that have developed gingivitis (the first stage of gum disease) or a more serious case of gum disease, a deep cleaning may be needed to prevent tooth loss and stop further damage. If you are looking for an even whiter smile, we can discuss Professional Teeth Whitening.
Step 4: Check out & Schedule your Next Appointment
After your cleaning, you will schedule your next cleaning with our dental hygienist. Then, you can head back out to the front desk, schedule your next exam and pay any co-pays (if applicable). Smile New Braunfels accepts Care Credit, cash or major credit cards (we charge a 3.5% fee that does not exceed our cost of acceptance).
Still more questions about your first appointment at Smile New Braunfels? Give us a call or check out our Frequently Asked Questions page for even more answers to your dental questions!
