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Dental health is an essential part of a long and healthy lifestyle. Our staff is committed to making sure you keep your teeth in the best health for as long as possible, but we also are committed to providing you with as many options as possible if you need replacement teeth.
We understand that many people fear the dentist, but we take every precaution to ensure you or your child’s visits with our office or as comfortable as possible.
During your first appointment with us, we will cover all of the basics when it comes to dental care. Our highly qualified staff members will review your dental and medical history forms and take x-rays of your teeth and our mouth.
Then you will meet with either Dr. Laaper or Dr. Dunlap, who will discuss your current dental health along with creating you an individualized treatment plan and answer any questions you may have.
During your second visit, one of our hygienists will clean your teeth, checking for cavities and any sign of gum disease, tooth decay, etc.
Other than your smile, you should be prepared for your first visit by having with you your completed patient form, insurance card, and complete health history, including dental and general health.
Many people often do not associate general health history with dental health; however, they do impact each other. Sometimes medication can affect whether or not you can receive some dental treatments and vice versa. This is why it is best to know as much about your general health as possible and keep the names and numbers of your general health physicians for our doctors to reference.
Many children can fear the dentist because of the unfamiliarity of the environment. However, this can be avoided by taking your children with you to the dentist before their first appointment so they can see your visit and familiarize themselves in the new surroundings.
We recommend making your children’s first appointment around the age of one. Though they may not have many teeth at this age, it is best to bring them in as soon as possible. Tooth decay can start as soon as your child's first tooth erupts. That can lead to pain, infection, premature tooth loss. Ideally, we want your child's first experience to be when they're not in pain right now. Early examination can help identify dental or developmental issues before they become a more serious problem.
If you have any questions about you or your child’s first visit to the dentist, contact us today. If you are worried about what your dental insurance covers or if you do not have dental insurance, our knowledgeable staff can help you determine the best course of action.