Your initial appointment will consist of a complete set of X-rays, a thorough exam by our doctors with time to get to know them, a review of your treatment options, and a cleaning (in the absence of periodontal disease). We want you to feel safe and comfortable and always allow you the time to do so.
Your First Dental Visit
Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your consultation:
- Any X-rays taken by a previous dentist, if applicable.
- A list of medications you are presently taking.
- If you have dental insurance, bring the necessary completed forms. This will save time and allow us to help you process any claims.
- Pre-register for your appointment at home — use the New Patient Forms page to download and fill out registration paperwork.
Important: All patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Please alert the office if you have a medical condition that may be of concern before treatment (i.e., diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves, and joints, rheumatic fever, etc.) or if you are currently taking any medication (i.e., heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, etc.).
X-Rays
If your former dentist has recently taken x-rays, you may request that they be emailed to our office, or feel free to bring them to your appointment. If you don’t have them, no problem! We will happily take any necessary X-rays needed.
How Important is Oral Hygiene?
Oral hygiene is necessary for eliminating bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria build to form plaque that can harden and lead to long-term ailments such as gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease, and periodontal disease if not removed. A good dental care routine and regular checkups will keep your mouth healthy and prevent inflammation, infection, decay, and tooth loss.
Why Get a Dental Exam?
Dental exams allow us to evaluate your current methods of dental care and provide suggestions for future care to protect you from complications such as cavities and gum disease. They also allow us to detect problems early to fix them quickly and easily.
How Often Should You Get a Dental Exam?
Dental exams generally take place every six months. Consult with our team to decide how often you should be examined, as we may suggest that you visit more frequently based on factors such as smoking, frequency of cavities, and genetic susceptibility to tooth and root decay as well as gum disease.
What Can I Expect From a Dental Exam?
We will check for signs of decay and gum disease at a typical dental exam. We will also check for signs of decay or gum disease. An X-ray may be performed to provide a more detailed picture of your oral health and to closely identify any issues.
We will ask you questions about your current methods of dental care, such as how often you brush your teeth, floss, and whether you use toothpaste with fluoride. With this information in mind, we will demonstrate proper dental care and suggest how to improve your habits to promote optimal oral health.
How Can You Prepare For a Dental Exam?
Practicing good dental care is the best way to prepare for a dental exam. Brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing at least once daily is recommended. Be sure to clean your teeth before you arrive at your appointment. Our team will be cleaning your teeth for you, but removing food and plaque beforehand is helpful so we can focus on the more difficult-to-clean areas.
You also want to ensure you are prepared to share pertinent information like your medical history, insurance coverage, and current dental care methods with us. Don’t be embarrassed to be honest about your oral health habits – our team is not here to judge you but to work with you to improve your habits and ensure dental health! Lastly, be prepared to schedule a follow-up appointment or future check-up at the end of your dental exam.
Routine Cleaning and Screening
In addition to regular exams, we provide cleanings and screenings. During a dental cleaning in our Plano, TX office, our hygienists will first use a dental mirror to look for signs of decay. Then, our hygienists use a stainless steel tool to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums.
Plaque is a mix of saliva and leftover debris in the mouth that can harden to form tartar. While you can remove plaque with brushing and flossing at home, you cannot remove tartar. For this reason, we will recommend regular cleanings.
Next, the hygienist applies gritty toothpaste to a small, spinning brush. This gritty toothpaste helps to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the surface of the teeth.
After the teeth have been thoroughly cleaned, the hygienist will use a paste to polish teeth for a smooth, shiny finish. Tooth polishing helps remove any remaining bacteria from the teeth.
Screenings are another essential part of routine dental care. We screen for problems like oral cancer, gum disease, and cavities.
During oral cancer screenings, we examine the inside of the mouth, including the tongue, gums, and the lining of the cheeks. They will look for any signs or symptoms of oral cancer, like white or red patches, sores that do not heal, or lumps in the mouth tissues.
We also screen for gum disease. Our team will look for bleeding, red, and irritated gums. We will also measure the gum pockets to determine your stage of gum disease. When we screen for cavities, we look for dark spots on teeth, holes in the tooth enamel, or tooth damage.
Patient Information in Plano, TX
The doctors at Texas Dental and their staff are dedicated to providing you with a pleasant visit and results you’re proud to show off. Our administrative staff is ready to help you with scheduling, financial policy, and insurance questions to make that part of the process as simple as possible.
Request An Appointment
The first step towards a beautiful, healthy smile is scheduling an online appointment. You can also call 972-636-4522. Our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment.
Please let us know if you have any questions about your care or your first visit. We’re here to help.