Alexa Dental

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Call Us: (713) 777-8743 (Eng) (832) 996-7856 (Spanish)

5858 South Gessner Rd Suite 104 Houston TX 77036

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What to expect at your First Visit

Ready for your visit to the dentist? Whether it’s your first time visiting a new dentist, or you just haven’t been in a while, here’s what you can expect from your first dentist appointment.

Prepare For Your First Dental Appointment

X-rays

○ Unless another dentist office has shared your dental records, your first
dental appointment will almost certainly include new X-rays. Bitewing Xrays are taken and used to detect tooth decay (cavities), gum disease,
bone loss, and infection, while panoramic X-rays (sometimes referred to as
“pan”) are used to check for impacted teeth, bone abnormalities, tumors,
and more.
○ For your protection, you’ll be fitted with a lead or lead-free apron to
reduce radiation exposure. Some dental offices (like The Happy Tooth in
North Carolina) use more advanced digital X-rays, which reduce radiation
up to 90 percent.

Exam

○ If this is your first dental appointment in a while, or you’re seeing a new
dentist, chances are your visit will involve a comprehensive dental exam.
During the exam, your dentist will inspect your teeth and mouth for any
potential problems, including signs of tooth decay, gingivitis, and
periodontal disease (commonly known as gum disease). He or she will also talk with you about any problems you’ve been experiencing, such as
toothaches, sensitivity, or cosmetic concerns.
○ Following the dental exam, your dentist will put together an individual
treatment plan designed to improve your oral health.

Cleaning

○ Following your dental exam, you may also have a dental cleaning (known
as dental prophylaxis). Typically scheduled every six months, cleanings are
important for achieving and maintaining optimal oral health. During the
cleaning, a licensed dental hygienist will remove, or, “scale,” accumulated
dental plaque from the outside of your teeth using special instruments. He
or she will also polish your teeth with a special polishing paste, typically
flavored for a “minty fresh” clean.

Other Dental Procedures

○ Based on your treatment plan and the office’s schedule, your first visit to
the dentist may also involve other common dental procedures, such as
tooth fillings or cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening.
○ Payment and Scheduling
○ Following your appointment, you’ll meet with the administrative staff
regarding payment and scheduling of your regular cleanings and any
necessary procedures outlined in your treatment plan. If you have dental
insurance, the dental staff will work with you and your insurer to
determine whether your visit is partially or fully covered.