For over 25 years, we’ve proudly served the Bend community, helping them achieve bright, healthy smiles. If you are new to our practice or are considering becoming a patient, you likely have questions. In this blog, we will address the most frequently asked questions from new patients.
What Happens During the Initial Comprehensive Dental Exam?
The first step in ensuring your oral health is an in-depth examination with Dr. Andy. This visit is an excellent opportunity to get to know him – and he genuinely enjoys connecting with his patients (be prepared to share your hobbies!). It’s also his chance to thoroughly assess your oral health.
During this comprehensive exam, our team will take digital X-rays to provide a detailed “under the hood” view of your teeth, gums, jaw, and bone structure. Next, Dr. Andy will complete a thorough dental exam, evaluating the health of your gums, bite alignment, and overall oral health. Dr. Andy will also want to know about any concerns you have, including seemingly unrelated issues like chronic headaches, as well as your goals for your smile.
If you have dental anxiety, please let us know how you are feeling! Your comfort is incredibly important to us, and we’ll take necessary steps to ensure you feel at ease throughout your visit.
Why is a Dental Cleaning Scheduled Separately?
Every dental practice handles new patient cleanings a little differently. At our office, we schedule dental cleanings (which occur with one of our skilled dental hygienists) at a separate appointment from the comprehensive exam with Dr. Andy.
You might be wondering why. The reason is simple: every patient has unique cleaning needs. Some require a more comprehensive type of cleaning, like scaling or root planing, which takes more time and preparation. By having the dental exam with Dr. Andy first, we can ensure that your time is well spent, and your teeth receive exactly the cleaning they need.
What Comes Next?
We are big proponents of transparency and clear communication. Once you’ve completed your dental exam and cleaning, you will have a clear understanding of your exam results, X-ray findings, and next steps. Perhaps you’ll need to schedule another exam and cleaning in four to six months.
In some cases, depending on what you and Dr. Andy discussed, further treatment may be needed. If so, we will provide you with a detailed treatment plan and review your dental benefits to ensure there are no surprises in your coverage. If needed, we can also discuss financial options and address any other questions you may have to help you feel confident about moving forward.
We understand that visiting the dentist might not be your favorite appointment. Our goal at Living Dental Health is to ensure our patients leave our office with a smile. If it has been a while since your last exam and cleaning, now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you!