Visiting a new dentist can come with plenty of questions. How long will the appointment take? Will you receive a cleaning? What should you bring? And what happens if it has been a while since your last dental visit?
At Elite Dental, we want you to know what to expect before you arrive. Your first appointment gives us time to understand your dental health, listen to your concerns, and help you leave with a clear picture of what comes next.
Before Your Appointment
Our new-patient forms will be available on our website. We will also send you a link by text with your appointment confirmation so you can complete the forms ahead of time.
Even if you finish everything before your visit, please arrive about 15 minutes early. This gives our team time to answer questions and make sure your paperwork is complete without taking time away from your appointment.
It is helpful to bring a photo ID, your dental insurance card if you plan to use insurance, a current list of medications, and information about any health changes. If you have recent dental X-rays or records from another office, let us know so our team can determine whether they should be transferred.
Plan for About 75 Minutes
A typical new-patient appointment is scheduled for 75 minutes. We reserve that time because a first visit should not feel rushed.
For most new patients, the appointment includes an examination, appropriate X-rays, a periodontal evaluation, and a routine cleaning. Your specific visit may vary depending on your dental health and what we find during the evaluation.
We Start by Listening
You may be coming in for a routine checkup, a tooth that has been bothering you, concerns about your smile, or simply because it has been a while. You may also feel nervous about dental treatment or have had a difficult experience in the past.
Tell us what is on your mind. There is no need to feel embarrassed, and there will be no lectures. Understanding your priorities and concerns helps us care for you more thoughtfully.
We will also review your medical and dental history because your overall health, medications, and previous treatment can affect how we plan your care.
Your Examination and X-rays
Your dentist will perform a comprehensive examination of your teeth, gums, bite, and the surrounding tissues of your mouth.
Dental X-rays may be recommended based on your current health, history, symptoms, and any recent images available from another office. They help us evaluate areas that cannot be seen directly, including spaces between teeth, roots, bone levels, and teeth that have not fully erupted.
Evaluating the Health of Your Gums
Your first appointment also includes a periodontal evaluation. “Periodontal” refers to the gums and supporting structures around your teeth.
This evaluation helps us determine whether your gums are healthy enough for a routine cleaning or whether signs of gum disease are present. For most new patients, a routine cleaning can be completed during the same appointment.
If periodontal therapy is needed, we will explain what we found and why a different type of cleaning may be recommended. Scaling and root planing cleans more deeply below the gumline and is typically scheduled for a follow-up visit so it can be completed properly.
A routine cleaning and periodontal therapy address different conditions. Choosing the right treatment is important for the long-term health of your gums and teeth.
A Clear Conversation With Your Dentist
Once the examination is complete, your dentist will talk through the findings in plain language.
If everything looks healthy, we will discuss an appropriate schedule for preventive visits. If something needs attention, we will explain what we found, the available options, and how urgent the issue is.
You will have time to ask questions. When treatment is needed, our team will also help you understand expected costs and available insurance benefits before care begins.
Using Dental Insurance
Elite Dental accepts most major dental insurance plans. Networks and benefits vary, so the easiest way to confirm your specific coverage is to call us with your insurance card available. You can also review our insurance information before your appointment.
Insurance estimates are helpful but are not a guarantee of payment from the insurance company. We will do our best to provide clear information so you can make an informed decision.
What If It Has Been Years?
That is okay.
Many people postpone care because of anxiety, finances, a busy schedule, or a previous experience. Whatever the reason, you do not need to explain or apologize.
We will meet you where you are, evaluate what is happening now, and help you take the next step without judgment. You do not have to solve every concern in one day.
To schedule a new-patient appointment, call us at (501) 448-2386. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early and allow approximately 75 minutes for your visit.