Welcome to our dental office in Shreveport, where we take great pleasure in meeting new patients. Our team of dental professionals are committed to looking after your dental health and wellness, as well as that of your entire family. Our skilled dentist offers a comprehensive new patient exam and consultation to evaluate your oral health and develop a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. To familiarize yourself with what to anticipate during your initial visit, please refer to this page for all the essential information you require. For additional details, please contact us at 318-868-8276.
The dental exam: What to expect
A clinical exam is more commonly referred to as a routine check up. A new patient exam lets our dentist essentially take inventory of the overall health of your mouth and teeth and diagnose any potential problems you may have.
A. The first thing we will check during the exam is your face and neck. Checking visually, we will look for any abnormalities, such as lumps, bumps or swelling.
B. Checking inside your mouth is next on the agenda. During this part of the check up our dentist will be looking for any abnormalities in the soft tissue, such as discolorations or ulcers on your lips, gums, tongue, palate and cheeks. We will also perform an oral cancer screening and will check your bite and your jaw joint for any problems.
C. Next we’ll will check your gums and jawbone, as they are the foundation for your teeth. We will check them for any signs of gingivitis, gum disease and bone disease.
D. Checking your teeth comes next. We will be checking them for cavities and other problems. Finally, we will be sure to look specifically at any areas where you may have symptoms or concerns.
Digital Impressions
A clinical exam alone is often inadequate to detect all possible oral health issues. Many problems, such as those involving the teeth and jawbone, are not visible to the naked eye. Digital impressions are an important tool in providing a more detailed and precise view of what is happening inside your mouth and below the teeth and gums. They allow dentists to check for bone loss and assess the severity of gum disease. Digital impressions are crucial in detecting and diagnosing dental issues early on, leading to better treatment outcomes and improved oral health.
In addition to revealing any problems that were not visible during the clinical exam these initial digital impressions will also provide your dentist with a benchmark with which to compare against during your future visits.
What to Bring To Your First Appointment
- Driver’s license
- Dental insurance card, if you have one
- List of medications you’re taking
- Any questions or concerns
ADDITIONAL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT NEW PATIENT EXAM
Are you accepting new patients? I am looking for a dentist near me in Shreveport.
Yes. If you live in Shreveport or the surrounding area, we are accepting new patients. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Terms.
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page.
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide.