Your first visit to our practice will typically include X-rays that allow Dr. Barnes to view the structure of the jaw, the position of any teeth that have not yet erupted, malformed roots, and tooth decay.

The initial visit also involves getting to know about you and your dental history, goals and aspirations, as well as your medical history. When you share your medical history with us be sure to provide complete, up-to-date information on your health. Inform us if you have experienced recent hospitalization or surgery, or if you have recently been ill. Also tell us the names, doses, and frequency of any medications you are taking — whether prescription or over-the-counter products — and the name and phone number of your physician. During future visits always inform us of any changes in your health or medications. This information will help us to select the most safe and effective method of treatment for you.

A separate appointment for your personalized cleaning will be scheduled on a different day. Our hygienist will have an opportunity to review Dr. Barnes findings and the x-rays so she can provide you with the best possible cleaning.

Treatment Planning Consultation

This is the time that all the relevant findings from your initial examination will be put together so that you can understand and discuss:

• Necessary work—treatment to prevent or eliminate pain, infection and to stabilize your dental health.
  • Examples would be teeth cleanings and fillings, as well as dealing with infections and pain.
• Additional treatment—optional care that you can choose to do now or possibly postpone.
  • Examples would be cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign® Orthodontics, teeth whitening, replacing a missing tooth and certain phases of complex treatments plans.