Ask the Dentist

New Patient | First Visit

 

​Q. What can I expect at my first visit?A. Consultation | Exam | Digital Ex-Ray | Individualized Dental Care PlanFirst, the dentist has a discussion about current habits and any issues that you may be experiencing. You will be given a complimentary head and neck oral cancer screen. Your previous dental history will be recorded followed by a measurements of your current gum health.A thorough dental cleaning is also performed as part of the first visit. Digital X-rays will likely be taken at this visit. Even if you've had x-rays in the past, an updated set is needed to evaluate your current condition. Digital X-rays are a valuable tool to diagnose and evaluate any potential issues that an exam doesn't show. The dentist is able to take the digital x-rays and share the results all in the same initial visit. Once completed, your dentist will discuss digital x-ray findings and lay out any recommended future treatment if needed. At this time your dentist may begin additional treatment if needed, or schedule a future visit to take care of the needed work.Q. How long will it be? What should I bring to my first dental appointment?A. About 1 hourPATIENT FORMS.For your convenience and to make your visit more efficient, fill out the forms ahead of time and print out to bring them with you. Or you may email them to kristin@lovettsvilledentalarts.com There is one for you ADULT PATIENT FORM and one for your children (one per child please) CHILD PATIENT FORMINSURANCE INFORMATIONBring your insurance card or a printout of your insurance information you can get from your online account with your insurance carrier. If you're concerned about your insurance coverage being accepted at our office, it's best to call ahead and discuss coverage with the receptionist. We also take credit cards, cash, checks.LIST OF CONCERNS AND TREATMENT GOALSIt’s natural at a first appointment to go blank when the dentist asks you about goals and concerns or any questions you may have so write them down and bring the list with you.Q. Do you provide Consultations and Second Opinions?A. YesConsultations are part of the initial exam and before any major dental treatment. Always ask if you have any questions especially about a procedure or any discomfort or changes in your mouth or bite.We are happy to provide second opinions. If you are unsure or don’t feel that you understand the treatment that was recommended to you, we will do our best to assist you in weighing options and answering all questions you may have. 

 

Family Dentistry

 

​Q. How old should my child be before his first dental appointment?A. A child should go to the dentist by age 1 or within six months after the first tooth erupts.As recommended by The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)Q. Is there anything I should do to prepare my baby for good dental  hygiene?A.  YesWe always recommend that you begin getting your child accustomed to you placing things in their mouth to clean their gums like a clean soft moistened cloth. Once their first tooth erupts, you should begin brushing their teeth with an infant's brush to remove any lingering food.Q. If my Child’s baby teeth have cavities, do you fill them?A. Yes.Cavities, the holes in tooth enamel caused by tooth decay should be filled to prevent further decay and allow for healthy permanent teeth to come later. Baby teeth do fall out eventually but can last until the age of 12.  If decay is caught early enough, we can treat the decay with non-invasive techniques such as Silver Diamine Fluoride. It can be used to arrest the decay process saving and protecting the tooth until it is lost naturally. Q. What is causing my child to have cavities?A. Tooth decay  is caused by bacteria in the mouth.These bacteria make a sticky substance called plaque that can eat away at a tooth’s enamel. Poor oral hygiene can raise your child’s risk for tooth decay.Q. My child is going to lose their baby teeth why do I need to have their cavities filled?A. Baby teeth with cavities left untreated ...can  eventually cause your child pain, abscess, swelling, affect the adult tooth developing under the baby tooth, and the infection could even spread to other parts of the child's body. If teeth are infected or lost too early due to baby bottle tooth decay, your child may develop poor eating habits, speech problems, crooked teeth, and damaged adult teeth. In addition, the chances that adult teeth will end up being crooked are greatly increased. Q. How can I prevent baby teeth cavities in a young child?A. Several Ways ...We always recommend that you begin getting your child accustomed to you placing things in their mouth to clean their gums like a soft moistened cloth. Once their first tooth erupts, you should begin brushing their teeth with an infant’s brush to remove any lingering food. You can begin with an infant’s toothpaste that is fluoride free. Around age two you should begin to brush their teeth with fluoridated toothpaste (about 0.24% sodium fluoride).You should restrict feeding your child milk or sugary drinks at or right before bed time. Frequent sugary snacks throughout the day fuel the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Limit your child’s sugar intake especially from processed foods.