What to Expect on Your First Visit
Your Journey to Better Oral Health Starts Here
Your first visit to Irmo Dentistry is designed to be thorough, comfortable, and informative. We understand that visiting a new dentist can feel overwhelming, which is why we’ve created a welcoming environment and structured appointment process that puts you at ease while gathering all the information needed to provide exceptional dental care. Dr. Davis and our experienced team take time to get to know you, understand your oral health concerns, and develop a personalized care plan that meets your individual needs and goals.
We believe that building a strong doctor-patient relationship begins with open communication and a comprehensive understanding of your oral health status. During your first visit, we focus on listening to your concerns, conducting a thorough examination, and providing clear explanations about our findings and recommendations. Our goal is to ensure you leave feeling informed, comfortable, and confident about your ongoing dental care with our practice.
Preparing for Your Visit
What to Bring
- Valid photo identification (driver’s license or state ID)
- Current dental insurance cards (primary and secondary if applicable)
- Complete list of medications, including dosages and frequency
- Previous dental X-rays, if taken within the past year
- Emergency contact information for our records
Recommended Preparation
- Complete patient forms online 24 hours in advance when possible
- Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in and final paperwork review
- Prepare a list of questions or concerns about your oral health
- Bring comfortable clothing and avoid wearing strong fragrances
- Plan for appointment duration of 60-90 minutes for comprehensive evaluation
Insurance Verification
We recommend calling your insurance company before your visit to verify coverage details, understand your benefits, and confirm that our practice is in-network. Our team can also verify benefits for you if you provide insurance information when scheduling your appointment.
Welcome to Our Practice
Reception and Check-In Process
Upon arrival, our friendly reception team will welcome you and complete your check-in process. This includes verifying your contact information, reviewing insurance details, and collecting any outstanding forms or documentation. We’ll also provide you with important practice information and answer any immediate questions about your visit.
Office Tour and Introductions
New patients receive a brief tour of our modern facility, including treatment areas and amenities. You’ll meet key team members and learn about our practice philosophy, technology, and commitment to patient comfort and care.
Comfort Amenities
While waiting, you can enjoy our comfortable seating area, complimentary beverages, and free Wi-Fi. We maintain a calm, welcoming environment designed to help you feel relaxed before your appointment begins.
Thorough Oral Health Assessment
Medical and Dental History Review
Dr. Jones will begin by reviewing your completed forms and discussing your medical history, current medications, previous dental experiences, and any specific concerns or goals you have for your oral health. This conversation helps us understand your individual needs and tailor our care accordingly.
Clinical Examination
Your comprehensive examination includes:
- Visual inspection of teeth, gums, tongue, and oral tissues
- Periodontal assessment to evaluate gum health and bone support
- Bite analysis to check jaw alignment and function
- Oral cancer screening of all soft tissues
- TMJ evaluation for jaw joint problems or dysfunction
Digital X-Rays and Imaging
When appropriate, we’ll take digital X-rays to evaluate areas not visible during the clinical examination. Our advanced digital technology provides detailed images with significantly reduced radiation exposure compared to traditional film X-rays.
Intraoral Photography
We may use our intraoral camera to show you specific areas of concern and help you understand our findings. This technology allows you to see exactly what we see and better understand your oral health status.
Understanding Your Oral Health
Findings Discussion
Dr. Jones will explain all examination findings in clear, understandable terms, showing you any areas of concern and discussing their significance for your oral health. We use visual aids and take time to ensure you understand your current oral health status completely.
Treatment Recommendations
Based on our findings, we’ll discuss any recommended treatments, explaining the benefits, alternatives, and consequences of delaying treatment. Our recommendations are always conservative and based on your individual needs, preferences, and budget considerations.
Preventive Care Planning
We’ll develop a personalized preventive care plan including recommended visit frequency, home care instructions, and specific strategies for maintaining optimal oral health between appointments.
Cost Estimates and Insurance
Our team will provide detailed cost estimates for any recommended treatments and explain how your insurance benefits apply. We discuss payment options and financing plans to make necessary care affordable and accessible.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Hygienist Evaluation
Our experienced dental hygienist will assess your gum health, evaluate your home care effectiveness, and determine the appropriate type of cleaning based on your individual needs and oral health status.
Professional Cleaning Process
Your cleaning may include:
- Plaque and tartar removal from all tooth surfaces
- Deep cleaning below the gum line when indicated
- Polishing to remove surface stains and smooth tooth surfaces
- Fluoride treatment for additional cavity protection when recommended
Home Care Education
We provide personalized instruction on proper brushing and flossing techniques, recommend specific oral care products for your needs, and discuss dietary factors that affect your oral health.
Continuing Your Oral Health Journey
Treatment Sequencing
If multiple treatments are recommended, we’ll discuss the ideal sequence and timeline for completing your care. We prioritize urgent needs while creating a manageable treatment plan that fits your schedule and budget.
Preventive Visit Scheduling
We’ll schedule your next preventive visit based on your individual needs, typically in six months for most patients. Some individuals may benefit from more frequent visits based on their oral health status and risk factors.
Emergency Contact Information
We provide clear instructions for reaching our office during emergencies and guidance for managing urgent dental problems that may arise between visits.
Ongoing Communication
Our team remains available to answer questions about your treatment plan, provide additional information about recommended procedures, and address any concerns that arise after your visit.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Advanced Technology
We utilize state-of-the-art dental technology, including digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, and modern sterilization equipment to provide precise, efficient, and safe dental care that enhances your treatment experience.
Personalized Attention
Unlike large dental chains, we focus on building lasting relationships with our patients through personalized care, thorough communication, and genuine concern for your comfort and well-being.
Comprehensive Care
From preventive services to complex restorative treatments, we provide comprehensive dental care under one roof, coordinating with specialists when needed to ensure continuity of care.
Patient Education
We believe informed patients make better decisions about their oral health, which is why we invest time in education and ensure you understand your oral health status and treatment options.
FAQS
How long will my first appointment take?
Plan for 60-90 minutes for your comprehensive new patient examination. This includes time for paperwork review, clinical examination, digital X-rays when needed, cleaning, and thorough discussion of findings and recommendations. We never rush appointments and ensure you have time for all your questions.
Will I receive a cleaning during my first visit?
Yes, most new patients receive a professional cleaning during their first appointment unless urgent treatment needs take priority. The type of cleaning depends on your individual oral health status and may range from routine prophylaxis to more thorough periodontal cleaning.
What if I need dental work? Can it be done the same day?
Simple treatments like small fillings can often be completed during your first visit if time permits and you’re comfortable proceeding. More extensive treatments are typically scheduled for separate appointments to ensure adequate time and optimal results.
Will my first visit be painful?
Your examination and cleaning should not be painful. We use gentle techniques and can provide numbing gel for sensitive areas during cleaning if needed. Most patients find their first visit comfortable and stress-free.
What if I have dental anxiety?
We understand dental anxiety is common and take extra steps to ensure your comfort. Our gentle approach, clear communication, and modern techniques help minimize anxiety. Please let us know about any concerns so we can accommodate your needs.
How much will my first visit cost?
Costs vary based on your insurance coverage and specific needs. We’ll verify your benefits before treatment and provide clear cost estimates. Most insurance plans cover new patient examinations and cleanings at 80-100%, making your first visit very affordable.
