Oral Health: What Should You Expect During Your First Visit or Procedure?
If it’s your first appointment with a dentist, or you have not been to a dentist in a while, you may experience dental anxieties about your visit. In some cases, patients even avoid their first dentist visit because they fear the unknown. At Absolute Dental, we understand that you have questions, and we’re here to help.
While the goal is to get your oral health on track with a customized treatment plan, a first dental appointment typically involves a thorough exam and preventive care. Our Las Vegas dentistry team shares everything adults and children can expect during their first visit.
Call (844) 8-SMILE-NOW or fill out the form to make an appointment today!
Your First Visit as an Adult Patient
When you don’t know what to expect at a first dentist appointment, visiting the dental office can feel a little overwhelming. Do you need to bring anything with you? How long does a dentist appointment take, and what will the dentist do during your visit? To help you prepare, here is the complete process at Absolute Dental.
Before Your Appointment: Preparation Is Key
Even before you make it to the dentist’s office, you can get ahead of things and speed up the process with these steps:
- Patient forms: Filling out your patient forms helps the dentist understand your medical history, and what conditions could affect your dental health. When you make an appointment at Absolute Dental, you can complete your or your child’s patient forms online.
- Insurance coverage: Review your dental insurance policy to understand what types of treatments and services are covered. You should also bring your insurance details with you to share with the patient coordinator in our front office.
- Questions to ask: If you have dental concerns, or want to ask about specific treatments, be sure to write your questions down and bring them to your appointment. Our team is more than happy to discuss your oral health goals and how we can help.
- Timing: How long does a dentist visit take? On average, you can expect your first dental appointment to take about an hour. However, give yourself plenty of time to avoid feeling stressed or rushed.
Arriving at Absolute Dental: A Warm Welcome
When you arrive at Absolute Dental for your first visit, you’ll be greeted by our friendly team in the reception area. If you did not complete your patient forms online, you can do this in our office before your appointment.
While we confirm your dental insurance information, you can have a seat in our clean and comfortable waiting area. A team member will call your name when the dentist is ready to see you.
Regular Price:
$179
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The Initial Dental Exam: A Comprehensive Assessment
During your first dental appointment, we will complete a full exam and general dentistry services. Our skilled professionals, including the dental hygienist, dental assistant, and dentist, work together to set you on the path to a healthy and happy smile.
The exam includes:
- Initial consultation: After entering the dental exam room, the dentist will review your medical history and discuss any dental health concerns. You’ll also have a chance to ask questions during this time.
- Dental X-rays: Next, the assistant will take dental X-rays. This will give the dentist a more comprehensive view of your oral tissues, jawbone, and the inner layers of your teeth, which can help diagnose decay and other conditions that are not visible to the naked eye. We take every precaution to ensure patients are safe during the X-ray process.
- Physical dental exam: During the physical exam, the dentist will look in your mouth to check for tooth decay, gum disease, missing teeth, and other oral health issues.
- Gentle cleaning and polishing: After the exam, the dental hygienist will perform teeth cleaning services to remove bacteria and plaque buildup, which includes teeth polishing.
- Fluoride treatment: When needed, the dentist may also recommend a fluoride treatment to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
If you need to reschedule, make changes to your appointment online.
Discussing Your Oral Health and Treatment Plan
Another essential part of your first dental visit will include a discussion of your oral health and recommended treatments for a strong, beautiful smile. Based on your unique needs and dental health concerns, the dentist will share their findings and put together a customized treatment plan.
Will a dentist pull a tooth on the first visit? While this is a common concern for patients who have not been to a dentist in a long time, this rarely happens unless it’s an emergency. In most cases, your Las Vegas dentist will schedule follow-up appointments for necessary treatment procedures or restoration visits.
Your Child’s First Dental Visit
Children’s teeth need special preventive care to ensure their smiles are healthy and radiant. It also helps to start a solid oral hygiene routine at a younger age to maintain dental health into adulthood. If you want to prioritize your child’s smile, a vital piece of this puzzle is their first dental visit.
What To Expect for Your Child’s First Appointment
Absolute Dental creates a friendly, welcoming atmosphere to help children feel comfortable and confident. A specialized child’s dentist treats pediatric patients in our office, and we use proven techniques to set your kids up for success. As soon as your child’s first tooth appears, it’s time to find a qualified pediatric dentist.
Here’s what will happen during your child’s first dental appointment:
- Brief exam: We know it can be challenging to have babies or toddlers sit still. This is why we complete brief exams to check baby teeth and overall oral health.
- Parental guidance: Our team also provides tips and recommendations on infant feeding practices, teething pacifier habits, child brushing and flossing techniques, and appropriate brushing patterns for your child’s age. Also, ask us about a dental visit fact sheet to take home with you.
- Common concerns addressed: Parents often have a lot of questions about avoiding common pediatric concerns, such as baby bottle tooth decay, a jammed baby tooth, finger sucking habits, or hard or sticky candies that can increase tooth decay. We will go over everything, boosting your confidence in caring for your child’s smile.
- Duration: How long does a dentist appointment take for a child? They are usually shorter than an adult’s appointment, especially for a first dental appointment. Generally, you can expect the visit to take about 30 to 45 minutes.
Also, we’ve found that it’s better to schedule morning appointments for our youngest patients. They are typically more awake and cooperative at this time. When a child reacts positively to treatments, it can build a healthy relationship to dental care as they grow.
Visit Absolute Dental to learn more about our dental services or to book your visit today.
We Accept Most Dental Insurance
Absolute Dental is a preferred provider for most insurances, unions, and hotels that include: Aetna, Ameritas, Boon-Chapman, Caesars Palace, Cigna, Delta Dental, Diversified, Geha, Guardian, Harrah’s, HealthSCOPE Benefits, Health Plan of Nevada (HPN), Humana, Liberty, Met-Life, MGM-MIRAGE, Premier Access, The Standard, Station Casinos, Teachers Health Trust, United Concordia, United Healthcare, Venetian, and The Zenith. We also accept Medicaid.
If you do not see your dental insurance listed here, just give us a call to confirm!
No Insurance? No Problem. Try our Smile Saver Program
Every person’s situation is different. If you don’t see your health insurance here, or if you do not have dental insurance, we can help you!
Call us now to discuss your situation and discover what options are right for you.
(844) 8-SMILE-NOW
Understanding Dental Procedures on a First Visit
For most patients, a first dental visit will involve a comprehensive exam and preventive services. With the exception of dental emergencies, more extensive dental procedures will be scheduled for a separate visit. Any treatment is thoroughly discussed and approved by patients prior to the procedure.
If you do have a dental emergency, contact Absolute Dental right away for a same-day appointment or a walk-in location.
Ready for Your Comfortable First Visit at Absolute Dental?
Take control of your oral health at Absolute Dental. Schedule a first dental appointment for affordable, high-quality dental care in Las Vegas, and throughout Nevada. Our oral health experts are ready to help your family achieve a brighter, healthier smile.
Oral Health First Visit FAQs
You rarely need to fast before a first dental appointment. Fasting is typically recommended before dental procedures that involve anesthesia or sedation. If you have a procedure scheduled, your dentist will provide thorough instructions to prepare for your appointment.
Yes, you can bring a family member or friend with you to your first dental appointment. This can help calm nerves, and make you feel more comfortable.
If you have a dental emergency, our team provides urgent care in our office. Most Absolute Dental locations accept walk-ins and same-day appointments for emergencies.
Your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning if you have significant plaque buildup or gum disease.
Absolute Dental accepts most dental insurance plans. However, we also have special offers, flexible payment plans, and exclusive discounts through our Smile Saver program.
Most patients will see their dentist every six months. Ask your dentist what frequency is right for your dental care needs.