We like to welcome each new patient to our office with a special Comprehensive Exam. During this time, we access your main concerns and develop a customized treatment plan to meet the patient’s individual needs.

A Customized Treatment Plan will outline the steps needed to keep your dental health at it’s optimum and maintain a beautiful, bright smile. We’ll work with you to arrange comfortable financial arrangements and try to maximize your insurance benefits.

Your initial appointment will usually consist of a complete evaluation including necessary x-rays, periodontal exam, thorough tooth exam, TMJ, bite evaluation and head/neck evaluation.

New patients please click here to download our New Patient Information Form.

Digital Pictures

We will take a series of digital pictures of your smile. The photos not only document any smile treatment progress but are also helpful in diagnosing smile problems. The photos taken assist the doctors in determining dental problems that need to be addressed in order for you to have a strong, healthy, beautiful smile.

Cosmetic Evaluation

After your examination we will discuss with you any concerns we find, and concerns and dreams you may have for your smile. We will then discuss treatment options available using the latest in dental techniques and technology. Our doctors strive to provide you with the least invasive, and most effective treatments to benefit your smile.

X-rays of all your Teeth

Some cavities and bone infections can only be seen with certain x-rays so a full series of x-rays may be taken at your first visit. Again, finding problems early is valuable in protecting your oral health and preventing more serious and costly problems later on.

If your previous dentist has taken x-rays, you may request that they forward them to our office. If there is not enough time, please pick them up and bring them to our office. If additional films are necessary, they can be taken at our facility.

Periodontal (Gum) Evaluation

Gum disease is the #1 cause of tooth loss and up to 80% of the population has some form of it, that is why our new patient exam include a thorough periodontal exam. If caught early gum disease is generally easily treated with minimally invasive procedures. We will take the time to show you the most effective way to brush and floss your teeth to prevent gum disease. We know that in order for you to have a beautiful smile it must be a healthy smile.

Oral Cancer Screening

8,000 people a year will die from oral cancer. Early detection is important! Our doctors thoroughly exam the inside of your mouth including cheeks, gums, roof of mouth and tongue. But they don’t stop there, they also take the time to exam the outside skin around your mouth for any possible areas of concern. 

Cavity Detection/ Filling Evaluation

We will carefully look at all your teeth and old fillings. Cavities found earlier can be treated more conservatively and inexpensively. Our goal in most treatments is to save as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. Small cavities found early require less of your healthy, natural tooth structure to be removed.

Over time, fillings may crack, leak or pull away from the natural tooth surface causing decay to form underneath them. We take the time to check each filling for any signs of failing to prevent any small problems from turning into large problems.

TMJ exam

Millions of people suffer from TMJ disorders, which include a number of disorders of the jaw joint and surrounding tissues. Some symptoms include clicking, popping and locking of the jaw and pain when you chew or open your mouth wide. Many ailments such as migraine headaches, neck and shoulder pain, dizziness, ringing in the ears to name just a few, can also be caused by TMJ disorder. TMJ disorder can also lead to the cracking, chipping and breaking of your teeth and restorations.

Well evaluate your jaw joint for any possible problems and see if you are grinding or wearing your teeth down.

We begin by gently placing the jaw joint in a variety of positions, checking for tension or tenderness. Then we begin looking for any signs of grinding or clenching.We then check muscle strength and your bite (The way the teeth fit together). We will also listen and feel for any abnormal jaw popping or clicking sounds.