Are you looking for a new dentist in Savannah? Whether you’re in need of a teeth cleaning or other dental procedure, Savannah Dental Solutions is currently accepting new patients. In case it’s been a while since your last dentist appointment, you may not know what to expect. Every dental office may be a little different, but most of the basics are the same.
Before you arrive, consider this brief guide to your new patient dental appointment at Savannah Dental Solutions.
Have your Dental Records Transferred to Us
One of the first things you’ll need to do is request that your previous dentist send over your dental records. If your previous dental office is still in business they will need your permission to release your records, either over the phone or in writing. These may be able to be faxed, emailed, or may need to be mailed for security reasons.
Provide Us with your Dental Insurance Information
If you have dental insurance it is helpful for our office to get that information before your first appointment. This allows us to check a few things, such as whether or not we are in-network with your insurance company and what types of copayments and coverage you have. This helps us with billing and will help your first appointment to go more quickly.
Give Us Honest Dental and Medical History
Of course your previous dental history is important for us to know in order to provide you with adequate care. But your medical history is also important. Dental health and overall health are closely linked, more so than many people realize. We need to know what medications you are taking and any preexisting medical conditions you have. Your medical information can factor into your dental care from preventive measures to complex procedures.
What to Expect at your First Dentist Appointment
Once all of your paperwork is in order, your initial examination can begin. While in the dental chair you may be asked a few more questions, and then these steps will follow:
- – Examination of your facial structure
- – Examination of your neck
- – Checking your lymph nodes
- – Checking your lower jaw joints or TMJ’s
- – Examination of the gums
- – Checking for loose teeth
- – Examination of the tissue inside your mouth
- – Checking your bite
- – Checking for signs of tooth decay
- – Checking for broken teeth
- – Checking for damaged fillings
- – Examination of existing dental work, bridges, fillings, crowns, implants, etc.
- – Taking x-rays (if needed)
- – Removing plaque and tartar
- – Polishing teeth
- – Flossing between teeth
- – Providing instructions on improvements to dental hygiene
- – Discussion about any cosmetic dentistry procedures you have requested
- – Answering questions about your current condition
All of this gives the dentist a baseline of your current dental health. From here a plan for your future dental care can be developed. If you are in need of any restorative procedures such as fillings, crowns, or root canals, these will be scheduled for future appointment dates. If your teeth are in good condition, you will simply schedule your next teeth cleaning for 6 months out.
Do You Have Dental Anxiety?
Dental anxiety is very common. If you’ve avoided going to the dentist because you are afraid or nervous, we are happy to accommodate you in any way possible to help you feel more at ease. We offer various levels of sedation dentistry to help your dentist appointment go more smoothly, such as:
- – Minimal sedation. This option allows you to be awake but relaxed. Nitrous oxide, known as “laughing gas” is one type of minimal sedation.
- – Moderate sedation. This option may involve taking an oral sedative that will relax you while you are still awake. You may remember part of your procedure or not much at all.
- – Deep sedation. This option involves being put to sleep via IV sedation. You won’t remember anything about the procedure, but you can be brought back to consciousness quickly and follow simple commands while under. You are still able to breathe on your own.
- – Complete Sedation. This involves general anesthesia via IV and also typically involves intubation to help you breathe while under. You will be completely unconscious for the entire procedure and awakened when it is complete.
The level of sedation required may depend on the complexity of the procedure and the personal preference of the patient.
Schedule Your First Appointment with Savannah Dental Solutions
If you’re looking for a new dentist in Savannah, GA, Savannah Dental Solutions is currently accepting new patients. We will help make the transition from your previous dental office as easy as possible.
Call (912) 354-1366 or contact us to make an appointment today. We look forward to providing you with quality dental care.
