When you first arrive, you'll fill out your new patient paperwork. This helps your team get to know you better. We ask that you arrive 15 minutes early to complete your paperwork.

New patients often ask if they can have their teeth cleaned during their first visit. Your dental treatments usually begin at your next appointment, which may be scheduled as soon as the next day. Before scheduling your treatment, including hygiene, your dentist needs to see you first for a comprehensive exam so they can create a treatment plan that addresses any problems you may have, not just the symptoms.

Many people do not see a dentist on a regular basis. They only go when they have a problem. This is known as "crisis treatment" versus "preventive treatment." While these patients may feel they are saving money, it often ends up costing much more in rupees and time. This is because many dental problems do not have symptoms until they reach the advanced stages of the disease process. An example is tooth decay. It is typical to hear, "Nothing hurts... I don't have any problems."

Tooth decay often does not hurt until it gets close to the nerve of the tooth. It is not uncommon to see a patient with a huge cavity who has never felt a thing. The dentist can usually detect a cavity 3-4 years before it develops any symptoms. This early detection can help you prevent root canal treatment.