Wow! Is it 2018 already? Where did the years go? Today we all live very busy lives. The years seem to pass so quickly and we often don’t realize that it may have been 10 years since we last saw a dentist. Although some may have stayed away on purpose, others had every intention to book an appointment but forgot.
Here at Innovation Drive Dental in Woodbridge we welcome all new patients, whether it has been 10 years, 5 years or even 6 months since last seeing a dentist. One of the first things we ask after a patient books a new appointment is how long it has been. The question is not meant to judge, but we know if someone has been away for a while they will often need more time to ask any questions they may have, to discuss the treatment options and often just to feel comfortable in the new setting.
Innovation Dental highly recommends that the first appointment is booked as a New Patient Exam with the doctor. We prefer not to jump into a cleaning right away, for may reasons. This is an easy and painless appointment as it is purely diagnostic and gives the patient the time to discuss with the doctor any of their concerns. This appointment reintroduces the patient to what dentistry has to offer today with all the modern technology and the knowledge of caring staff and clinicians. A Complete New Patient exam involves:
1. Introduction and medical history is taken
2. A pre-op blood pressure measured
3. A full set of digital x-rays are taken (very low radiation as compared to old style x-rays)
4. An intra-oral and extra-oral examination is done
6. Charting of the teeth (any existing work you have had done as well as any potential treatment you may need done)
7. Measurement of bone levels
8. Intra-oral photos of all the teeth for visual records and future comparison
9. Discussion and Treatment plan (Q&A)
This appointment can take up to an hour and is very educational and informative. We like to book a cleaning after the New Patient Exam as not all cleanings are the same, and not everyone needs the same cleaning. The Doctors at Innovation Dental feel that treatment should be individualized to the patients needs. If it has only been a few months then you may be ok with one appointment to finish, but some patients may require 2 or more cleaning appointments with freezing (if needed).
If it has been a long time for you, one tip would be to floss a lot before you come in, even if it makes your gums bleed, as this will get them used to being touched below the gum line and may be less uncomfortable at your first cleaning appointment.
