What should a new patient expect during their first visit?
During your first visit, we're going to take all the necessary X-rays, scans if needed, and intraoral pictures of your teeth. We're going to do an intraoral and extraoral exam. We always check your muscles, joints, and lymph nodes. We do an oral cancer screening, and then we do an intraoral exam where we look at your soft tissue, lips, soft palate, and tongue. We look at everything before we even get to your teeth because we want to make sure you have a very healthy environment.
Then we look at your teeth. We look at the way they function, the way they look, the way you use them, and whether you have any parafunctional habits. Then we go tooth by tooth and chart everything you've already had done. From there, we usually come up with a pretty good treatment plan that addresses any issues or problems you might have.
A lot of the time during that appointment, we also start talking about oral hygiene instructions. We try to tailor some of the products to your specific situation. A lot of people don't realize that the mouth is one of the first places that can help us identify signs of certain systemic issues. Some systemic issues you already know you have can also manifest in your mouth. I'm here to educate you on different ways you can take care of your mouth.
What should you expect if you come in with dental pain?
I love comprehensive dentistry. I love looking at the big picture, but if you come in with pain, I'm going to address your pain. I don't want you to go back home with the same issue you came in with. While I'm working on your main concern, I'm probably going to look around and start bigger conversations with you, but at that specific appointment, I will take care of your immediate concern.
What happens after your initial appointment?
Hopefully, you're going to go home very happy and satisfied with our first appointment, and we will follow up with you. Most likely, we'll schedule the next appointment while you're still here in the office. If not, we will reach out to schedule it. We also update you on any fees that might be involved in your treatment and any insurance issues we might have learned about.
What can you expect in terms of communication and transparency?
Transparency, 100%. We will tell you everything. I'm a big believer in people having authority over their own body and their mouth. I'm very clear with you about where I'm coming from and what I recommend. I'm very transparent about my treatment philosophy, but ultimately, that's your decision. That's your body, and you're the one deciding. I expect the same transparency back. If you don't agree with me, we can have an honest conversation. You always choose what you want to do and what you don't want to do.
In terms of communication, it's the same thing: very clear communication. We will follow up with you. We will call you if you want us to call you.
You’re never alone in caring for your dental health. At GloWell Dental, our team is here to support and meet you where you are in your dental journey. Call (586) 203-3057 or email [email protected] to connect with us today.