What Happens During a New Patient Dental Exam?

Our team of dentists at Advanced Dentistry of Centre County in State College, PA would love to serve you and your dental health needs. You may be curious about what will happen during the new patient's comprehensive dental exam. Our team approach will ensure you receive the support you deserve when you visit us for the first time. Here’s a look at what you can expect during your first exam with us.

When you arrive for your first dental appointment

Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by one of our professional team members to help you get ready for your first visit. While you are checking in, we’ll notify the rest of the team of your arrival. You will also need to provide any paperwork on yourself and details on your insurance coverage if applicable. We can provide the paperwork for you to complete yourself, but we recommend you visit our website to download and complete the forms before you arrive.

We’ll also review your dental and medical histories to learn about your dental health needs before we start working to prepare a customized treatment plan when we work for you.

What happens during a general screening?

The screening process during your first visit will include digital x-rays. These x-rays create a profile of your mouth and teeth. The radiation produced by these digital x-rays is minimal when compared with what works on traditional x-ray devices. We will also complete an oral cancer screening. The review includes a check of your neck, tongue, jaw, and various spots inside the mouth. The screening can help us identify any possible threats that need attention.

We can also check on your gums and teeth to identify possible cavities, signs of gum disease, and other threats. We’ll then prepare a custom treatment plan based on what we find in the review process.

Will a dental cleaning be needed?

You can request a dental cleaning during your first visit to our office in State College, PA. Your dentist will let you know if cleaning is required or is otherwise recommended. The tools necessary for the cleaning process will vary based on your needs, but we use safe components that are easy to handle.

Expect to spend about 60 – 90 minutes for your initial dental appointment. The timing can vary, but you can speed up the process by completing your paperwork before your visit. You can do this to ensure you have all the information about yourself ready before your visit.

Learn more about dental cleanings in State College, PA

We recommend visiting twice a year to ensure your teeth are healthy and safe. We can plan appointments based on your schedule, plus we can help you identify a useful routine for caring for your teeth. At Advanced Dentistry of Centre County in State College, PA, we want to help you receive the dental care and support you require when you need it the most. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support whatever needs you have for your teeth, and how you can benefit.