What Takes Place During My First Visit to Your Dental Office?

At our clinic in Georgia, we create a welcoming, comfortable environment for you. From checking in to having your exam and cleaning, we make sure the entire process is quick and pleasant. Learning about what we'll do during your visit could help you feel more relaxed about your upcoming appointment. If you're worried, know that everyone here at Dental One Associates of Georgia in Georgia is ready to take care of you and treat you with compassion.

You'll meet our office staff and dental team when you arrive, and we'll show you around the waiting room and exam room. At Dental One Associates of Georgia in Georgia, we work together to help you have the smile you want, and we always prioritize your oral health. If treatment is recommended, our dental team will discuss your options with you, and we'll help you find the treatment that's ideal for your needs.

What Do I Need to Do When I Arrive?

Once you're in the lobby, go to the front desk to talk with our receptionists. They will give you several forms to complete, including a medical history questionnaire and an insurance document. Make sure that you have your dental insurance cards and lists of your current medications with you when you're completing these forms. On the medical history form, it's especially important that you let us know about any allergies you have, including if you're allergic to latex or any medicines.

When you've finished the forms, hand them to our office team. They'll make sure everything looks okay, and they'll update your records with the latest information you provided. We understand that paperwork can be confusing, so just let our team know if you need help with completing any of the forms.

What Can I Expect During My Exam?

After you've given us your completed forms, you'll wait in our comfy waiting area for a little while. When we're ready for your exam, we'll take you to one of our examination rooms. Your dental assistant and dental hygienist will be waiting for you there. After they introduce themselves, they'll check your medical history details, allergies and medication list. Then, they'll tell you what's involved in the exam process.

This exam will be conducted by your dental hygienist, and it involves taking a look at your overall oral health. The hygienist will pay special attention to any signs of tooth decay or gum disease, and he or she will mention these to your dentist. Depending on how you've booked your appointments, you might have your dental exam and dental cleaning done at separate visits. Check with our office team when you schedule your first visit to our practice.

What Takes Place When I Meet the Dentist? 

Your dentist will greet you after the dental hygienist has finished your first exam. He or she will talk with you about any issues you've noticed with your dental health, and this is an ideal time to ask questions. After talking with you, the dentist will take a closer look at your teeth and gums. If you have any questions about what will happen during this exam, inform your dentist, and he or she will explain everything in detail. 

Your dentist will start the exam by using a tiny mirror and a probe to inspect your gum tissues and your teeth. He or she will look at each tooth individually, checking for signs that could indicate decay or other issues. The dentist will measure how deep your gum pockets are, and he or she will check for any swelling, bleeding or other signs of inflammation. Your exam will conclude with a check of your bite and jaw alignment. While you open and close your mouth, the dentist will check for misalignment or pain.

If potential problems are noticed, the dentist might need to perform x-rays during your appointment. These provide extra information that helps with confirming your diagnosis and making treatment plans. You'll stay seated in your dental chair for most x-rays, and you may be provided with a lead apron to wear.

What Can I Expect During My Dental Cleaning? 

In most cases, your dental cleaning will be done by one of our dental hygienists. You might have your cleaning at a separate appointment, or it may begin after your exam with the dentist. Before our hygienist starts your dental cleaning, let him or her know about any problems you have with breathing, including asthma or coughing. This information allows your hygienist to select the safest and most comfortable options for your cleaning.

As the name suggests, the primary purpose of your cleaning is to remove plaque and tartar. This is done by using handheld tools, and ultrasonic tools are used in certain situations. Your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from above and below your gum line and from the surfaces of your teeth. Next, your teeth will be brushed and flossed. To complete your cleaning, an air polisher is used to remove stains from your teeth. It makes your teeth shiny and smooth. At the end of your dental cleaning here at our clinic in Georgia, you'll feel like you have the cleanest, healthiest smile in the city.

What Should I Know About My Dental Treatment Options?

Near the end of your appointment with us, your dentist will tell you about how your teeth and gums are doing. He or she will give you details about signs of decay or other issues that were discovered during your exam. If treatment is suggested, you'll have time to ask the dentist about all of your treatment options, and he or she will explain what each treatment involves. At this time, the dentist will provide tips for things you can do to protect your oral health at home. 

As you head out of the office, see our receptionists to book your future visits. They can book your next exam or cleaning, and they'll be happy to schedule any treatment appointments, too. If you're wondering about any scheduling or billing concerns, the office team will be happy to provide more information.

Dental Visits at Our Office Are Simple and Efficient!

We understand that going to the dentist can be stressful, and we're here to change that! At Dental One Associates of Georgia in Georgia, we make every part of your time with us efficient and comfortable. From helping with paperwork to providing gentle, personalized exams, our compassionate team members work to take care of your oral health needs. We're always happy to give you more information about procedures and what to expect at appointments, so let us know if you have any questions or concerns. Regular checkups with us will help you take care of your oral health, so we'd recommend scheduling your next dental exam right away.

At our office, we're dedicated to providing excellent dental care for all of our patients, and we make it easy to book appointments. Just call our office to reserve your time, or check out our online booking portal. We'll be waiting to welcome you to our dental clinic. Book your first appointment today!