What should a new patient expect during their first visit?
During your first visit to Dental Prosthodontics of Rochester, we'll begin with a patient interview. We'll discuss your concerns, your goals, and what brought you to our office. We'll ask plenty of questions so we can fully understand your needs and answer as many of your questions as possible.
Next, we'll perform a comprehensive dental examination. We'll examine each tooth individually, evaluate all of the structures inside and outside your mouth, assess your bite, identify any missing teeth, and determine what may need to be corrected. Everything will be carefully documented in your records.
We'll also perform a thorough periodontal, or gum, evaluation to assess the health of your gums, not just your teeth. Our goal is to gather all the information we need to provide safe, effective treatment.
After the examination, we'll take both intraoral and extraoral photographs. These images allow us to carefully review your case after your appointment rather than making quick decisions while you're in the dental chair.
We'll also take dental X-rays as needed. Whenever possible, we obtain X-rays from your referring dentist or previous provider. However, if those images aren't current, comprehensive, or diagnostic enough, we'll take new ones.
Depending on your needs, this may include individual dental X-rays of specific teeth or a panoramic X-ray, which captures your entire mouth and surrounding structures in a single image.
Finally, we'll take impressions of your upper and lower teeth and record your bite. At that point, we'll have all the information needed to fully evaluate your case.
Whenever possible, we'll discuss our findings with you during your appointment. However, because many of the cases we see at Dental Prosthodontics of Rochester are more complex, I prefer to spend additional time carefully reviewing everything, analyzing your case from different perspectives, and developing the most appropriate diagnosis and treatment options for your oral health.
If you're nervous or afraid, what should you expect during your first appointment?
The first thing I'd like you to know is that we are not going to perform any dental treatment during your first visit. I understand that previous dental experiences can make people anxious, but your initial appointment is focused on getting to know you and evaluating your oral health.
Before I do anything, I'll explain exactly what we're going to do. Whether we're taking dental X-rays, photographs, or performing an oral examination, I'll let you know each step beforehand. There won't be any surprises, and there shouldn't be any pain associated with your first visit.
If you continue to experience anxiety before future dental procedures, we have several ways to help. One option is prescribing anxiolytic medications, such as benzodiazepines like Valium or Xanax, when they're appropriate for your situation.
That said, many patients discover they don't need medication at all. Sometimes simply coming in with the right mindset and experiencing a comfortable first visit can completely change their perspective on dentistry. I encourage you to give it a try and see how you feel afterward.
What should you expect if you come in with dental pain?
Fortunately, we don't see many true dental emergencies in our office. However, if you come to Dental Prosthodontics of Rochester with dental pain, we'll do everything we can to help get you comfortable as quickly as possible.
We'll perform a thorough examination, take any necessary dental X-rays, and determine the cause of your pain. If we can treat the problem and relieve your discomfort the same day, we'll certainly do our best. If additional treatment or referral is needed, we'll make sure you're directed to the appropriate provider as quickly as possible so your pain can be addressed.
What should you expect in terms of communication and transparency?
Communication is very important to us. We'll explain everything as clearly as possible and avoid unnecessary dental terminology whenever we can. Our goal is to make sure you understand your condition, your treatment options, and what to expect throughout the process.
Transparency is equally important. We'll be honest about what we find, what we recommend, and why we recommend it. There won't be any surprises.
Most importantly, treatment only moves forward with your complete understanding and agreement. We'll never perform any dental treatment that you haven't agreed to receive.
We're proud to serve our community by helping you and your family maintain healthy smiles. Call (585) 522-1922 or email rocprostho@gmail.com to schedule your visit today.