- For this visit you should bring:
- A list of your current medications, drug allergies, and medical history.
- Any dental appliance(s) you have, whether you are currently wearing them or not.
- Your radiographs from your previous dentist(s), if they were not sent previously.
- Your dental insurance claim form, insurance identification numbers, and benefits book, if applicable.
After reviewing you medical history and dental history with me, you are encouraged to discuss any questions or concerns you have.
Unless there is a problem which needs immediate attention, you will have a thorough head and neck exam, a detailed intraoral exam, and a thorough dental cleaning and polishing. Radiographs will be taken based upon your dental history and present condition. If your previous radiographs are available, we can either take fewer radiographs or compare them to your new films in order to tell whether your current dental condition is stable.
You will notice that in addition to the usual lead apron and neck collar, that
I use a different X-ray holder from what you may be used to. These holders,
shown at the right, help to narrow the X-ray beam to the minimum width necessary
to expose the film, resulting in your receiving about one third the amount
of radiation per film as you would without such a film holder. In addition
they ensure a better image by properly aligning the film with the teeth
and the X-ray beam.
If
you have a question about an area of your mouth, I can project an image it with
my intraoral camera. That way you can see the area the way I see it, and so we
both know that we are talking about the same features.
Since I believe that prevention is the best kind of dental treatment, you will be counseled on ways you can improve your oral condition, including proper home care.
After I have reviewed and interpreted the information from your exam, I will explore the treatment plan options available to you. I will discuss the pros and cons of each choice. You are encouraged to ask questions. The better you understand your situation and options, the better the results of your care will be.
