New Patient Exam
What Is A New Patient Exam?
The New Patient Exam serves as the foundation of our dental care relationship with you. It is a thorough and personalized assessment that allows our experienced dental professionals to get to know you, understand your dental health history, and identify any existing or potential oral health issues. This examination is a vital step in tailoring the best possible dental care plan to meet your unique needs and maintain your oral health for years to come.
Our experienced dental professionals will conduct a thorough evaluation of your teeth, gums, jaw, and oral tissues, using advanced techniques like Dental X-Rays to reveal insights that may not be visible to the naked eye. We want to hear your dental concerns, understand your cosmetic desires, and address any specific issues you may be facing. With the information gathered during the New Patient Exam, we craft a personalized treatment plan tailored to suit your precise needs. Whether it’s preventive care, restorative treatments, or cosmetic enhancements you seek, our goal is to provide you with exceptional care and a clear path towards maintaining your oral health for years to come.
Before you deciding on whether New Patient Exam are right for you, there are some things you should know:
- Who Needs A New Patient Exam?
- What Are The Advantages Of The New Patient Exam?
- How Much Does A New Patient Exam Cost?
- What Are The Steps In The New Patient Exam Procedure?
- Can I Have A New Patient Exam If I Am Pregnant?
If you have any further questions about the New Patient Exam or other dental services offered at Atlas Dental, please contact us.
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Who Needs A New Patient Exam?
The New Patient Exam is essential for anyone who is visiting our dental practice for the first time or has not had a dental check-up within a considerable period. Whether you have recently moved to the area, changed dental providers, or have never received professional dental care before, the New Patient Exam is designed to cater to your specific needs.
Here are a few key scenarios where individuals would benefit from a New Patient Exam:
- New Residents: If you have relocated to a new area and are in search of a reliable dental practice, the New Patient Exam will serve as an introduction to our services and allow our dental team to familiarize themselves with your oral health history.
- First-Time Dental Patients: If you’ve never been to a dentist before, the New Patient Exam is the ideal starting point for establishing a dental care routine. Regular dental check-ups are vital for maintaining oral health and preventing potential dental problems.
- Changing Dental Providers: If you have been seeing a different dentist and have decided to switch to our practice, the New Patient Exam will enable us to assess your current oral health status and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
- Long Gaps Between Dental Visits: If it’s been a while since your last dental check-up, the New Patient Exam will help us identify any dental issues that may have arisen during that time. Regular dental visits are crucial in detecting problems early and ensuring proper oral hygiene.
- Specific Dental Concerns: If you have any specific dental issues or concerns, the New Patient Exam allows us to address them directly and recommend appropriate treatments.
Regardless of your age or dental history, the New Patient Exam is an inclusive and beneficial process that ensures everyone receives the highest standard of care. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where you can feel comfortable discussing your dental needs and working towards achieving optimal oral health. If you have further questions about the New Patient Exam, please contact us.
What Are The Advantages Of The New Patient Exam?
The New Patient Exam offers numerous advantages, making it a crucial and valuable step in your dental care journey. Let’s explore some of the key benefits:
- Comprehensive Oral Assessment: During the New Patient Exam, our dental professionals conduct a thorough examination of your oral health. This includes checking your teeth, gums, tongue, jaw, and surrounding tissues. By doing so, we can identify any existing dental issues, potential problems, or areas that require attention.
- Personalized Treatment Plan: Each individual’s oral health needs are unique. Through the New Patient Exam, we gain valuable insights into your dental history, concerns, and overall health. This information allows us to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to address your specific requirements, ensuring you receive the most effective and relevant dental care.
- Early Detection of Dental Issues: Regular dental check-ups are essential in catching dental problems at their early stages. The New Patient Exam is no exception. By detecting issues like tooth decay, gum disease, or dental infections early on, we can implement timely treatments, potentially preventing more extensive and costly procedures in the future.
- Preventive Dental Care: Prevention is better than cure, and the New Patient Exam plays a significant role in preventive dentistry. Our dental team will provide you with valuable tips and techniques to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent dental issues from arising or worsening.
- Addressing Specific Concerns: If you have any specific dental concerns, the New Patient Exam is the perfect opportunity to discuss them with our experienced dental professionals. Whether it’s tooth sensitivity, teeth grinding, or cosmetic concerns, we can address these issues and offer suitable treatment options.
- Building a Relationship: Dental care is a partnership between you and your dental team. The New Patient Exam establishes the foundation for a lasting relationship with our practice. We take the time to get to know you, understand your preferences, and ensure you feel comfortable seeking dental care whenever you need it.
- Patient Education: Knowledge is empowering. Throughout the New Patient Exam, we provide valuable education on oral health, dental hygiene practices, and the importance of regular check-ups. Equipping you with this knowledge empowers you to take better care of your dental health at home.
- Peace of Mind: Dental visits can cause anxiety for some individuals, especially if they are uncertain about their oral health. The New Patient Exam offers peace of mind, as you’ll know the current state of your dental health and receive professional guidance on maintaining or improving it.
- Tracking Progress: For returning patients, the New Patient Exam serves as an opportunity to monitor your oral health progress since your last visit. We can assess the effectiveness of previous treatments and make adjustments to your dental care plan if necessary.
The New Patient Exam provides a wealth of advantages, ranging from early detection of dental issues to personalized care plans and patient education. By investing in this initial examination, you’re taking a proactive step towards achieving and maintaining excellent oral health for the long term. If you have further questions about the New Patient Exam, please contact us.
Cost of Complete Oral Exam
The cost of a Complete Oral Exam (or New Patient Examination) depends on the patient’s age and the age of their dentition. The codes relevant to complete examinations for patients in the Ontario Dental Association’s Suggested Fee Guide appear as follows:
- 01101 – Examination and Diagnosis, Complete, Primary Dentition: $90
- 01102 – Examination and Diagnosis, Complete, Mixed Dentition: $133
- 01103 – Examination and Diagnosis, Complete, Permanent Dentition: $178
These fees do not include the cost of dental x-rays. Therefore, a typical adult exam could cost as low as $178 (no additional x-rays required if patient brings their own recent x-rays) or up to $413 (with 6 periapical x-rays at $80, 4 bitewing x-rays at $73, and a panoramic x-ray at $82). The dentist will customize the number of x-rays for your depending on your dental needs.
Complete Oral Exams are considered a basic service under all dental insurance plans and should be covered to your maximum insurable limit, but be sure to find out from your dental insurance plan provider how much you are eligible for before going ahead with dental treatment. Our fees are consistent with the ODA Fee Guide.
For patients without dental insurance, Atlas Dental is pleased to offer dental financing through Dentalcard. Affordable payment plans start at 7.95% for terms of 6 months to 6 years. To learn more about Dentalcard dental treatment financing, follow this link.
What Are The Steps In The New Patient Exam Procedure?
The New Patient Exam procedure typically involves several important steps to ensure a comprehensive assessment of your oral health. While specific practices may have slight variations in their approach, the following are common steps you can expect during the New Patient Exam:
- Medical and Dental History Review: The process often begins with a review of your medical and dental history. Please review our pre-visit instructions and fill out our New Patient Form before you come. It will provide information about any existing medical conditions, medications you’re taking, past dental treatments, and any specific dental concerns you may have.
- Dental X-Rays: X-rays are essential for a thorough evaluation of your oral health. They help identify issues that may not be visible during a regular visual examination, such as tooth decay between teeth, bone loss, impacted teeth, or other abnormalities.
- Visual Examination: Your dentist will conduct a visual examination of your mouth, teeth, gums, tongue, and other oral tissues. They will look for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and any other dental issues. Additionally, they may check for bite alignment and signs of teeth grinding.
- Periodontal Assessment: Your dentist will evaluate the health of your gums to assess if you have any signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease. They will measure the depth of the gum pockets around each tooth, as deeper pockets can indicate gum disease.
- Oral Cancer Screening: As part of the exam, your dentist will check for any signs of oral cancer. They will examine your lips, tongue, cheeks, throat, and the floor of your mouth for any abnormalities or suspicious lesions.
- Discussion of Dental Concerns: The New Patient Exam is an opportunity for you to discuss any specific dental concerns or cosmetic desires you have with your dentist. This could include topics like teeth sensitivity, teeth whitening, or potential orthodontic needs.
- Personalized Treatment Plan: Based on the findings from the exam and X-rays, your dentist will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your oral health needs and goals. The plan may include preventive care, restorative treatments, cosmetic procedures, or referrals to specialists, if necessary.
- Patient Education: Throughout the exam, your dentist and dental team will provide oral hygiene instructions and tips on how to maintain good dental health at home. They may also recommend specific dental products to help improve your oral care routine.
- Scheduling Follow-Up Appointments: Depending on the findings of the New Patient Exam, your dentist may schedule follow-up appointments for treatments, teeth cleanings, or additional diagnostic procedures, if required.
Remember that the New Patient Exam is a crucial first step in establishing a healthy dental care routine. It allows your dentist to understand your unique needs, address any concerns, and set you on the path to maintaining a beautiful and healthy smile. Open communication with your dental team during this process will ensure you receive the best possible care for your oral health. If you have further questions about the steps in the New Patient Exam, please contact us.
Can I Have A New Patient Exam If I Am Pregnant?
Yes, you can have a New Patient Exam while you are pregnant. In fact, it is essential to maintain good oral health during pregnancy, as hormonal changes can increase the risk of certain dental issues. Regular dental check-ups, including the New Patient Exam, are safe and recommended during pregnancy to ensure both your oral health and overall well-being.
However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind for dental care during pregnancy:
- Inform Your Dentist: When scheduling your New Patient Exam, be sure to inform your dentist that you are pregnant. This will allow them to take any necessary precautions and tailor the treatment plan to ensure the safety of you and your baby.
- Timing of Dental Procedures: Routine dental exams and cleanings are generally safe throughout pregnancy. If any dental treatments or X-rays are required, they are often postponed until after the first trimester (the first three months of pregnancy) if possible. However, if there is an urgent dental issue that needs immediate attention, your dentist will work with you to determine the safest course of action.
- Positioning During the Exam: Your dentist will ensure that you are comfortable during the New Patient Exam. Special positioning or equipment adjustments may be made to accommodate your changing body and ensure a safe and relaxed experience.
- Medications: Inform your dentist about any medications or prenatal vitamins you are taking. This information will help them select appropriate medications or pain relief options, if needed, during dental procedures.
- Morning Sickness and Oral Health: If you are experiencing morning sickness or vomiting, it is essential to rinse your mouth with water or a fluoride mouthwash afterward to help neutralize the acid that can harm your teeth.
- Maintaining Oral Hygiene: During pregnancy, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and consider using a mouthwash approved by your dentist.
Taking care of your oral health during pregnancy is not only safe but also beneficial for both you and your baby. Poor oral health has been associated with certain pregnancy complications, so regular dental care can help prevent potential issues and maintain a healthy smile throughout your pregnancy journey. If you have any specific concerns or questions about dental care during pregnancy, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your dentist. They will be happy to address your needs and ensure a positive dental experience during this special time in your life. If you have further questions about the New Patient Exam, please contact us.
