Just like regular maintenance is important for your car, regular maintenance is important for your mouth. And so we have our patients on a schedule where they can come see us two, three, four times a year as needed so we can maintain the health of their mouth, so we can verify that the things are working well in their mouth and that we can find problems at the earliest stages so that the solutions are a lot smaller and a lot more affordable. So regular dental care, just like regular auto care, is a huge benefit for maintaining a very healthy and comfortable mouth and smile. If it’s been a while since your last dental visit, don’t be embarrassed to come see us. I guarantee you won’t set a new record for how long has it been for somebody. And you can expect to be treated with the utmost respect and care, and our goal is not to look at what’s happened in the past but to look in the future and say, ‘Where are we now, and what can we do to help your mouth and smile last as long as it needs to?’
New Patients Receive a Friendly Welcome
After a friendly greeting by our staff, new patients will be asked to fill out registration forms that will provide us with some information to get to know you. (To get a head start, you can download our registration forms and fill out ahead of time.) Then we will:
- Take X-Rays – Using our state-of-the-art digital X-ray equipment, we will take a series of X-rays to help us evaluate the condition of your teeth. They will help us complete a comprehensive examination of your mouth.
- Examine You – Dr. Williams will discuss your dental and medical history, including the reason for your visit. He will review your X-rays and perform an oral exam.
- Create a Treatment Plan – The exam will give Dr. Williams an opportunity to understand how to treat your immediate needs and develop a comprehensive treatment plan. The plan will not only cover short-term dental concerns but also provide recommendations for long-term oral health.
- Consult With You – After your exam, our office staff will meet with you to answer any questions you may have and discuss payment options. We will also schedule a follow-up appointment.
High-Tech Equipment Helps Us Identify Dental Issues
The sooner we identify problems like cavities and gum disease, the easier and less expensive it is to solve them. While small cavities can be treated with dental fillings, larger ones will require dental crowns or similar restorations. In its early stages, gum disease can be eliminated with a deep cleaning. In later stages, gum disease treatment may involve a graft or other gum recession treatment.
To identify issues in their early stages, we use:
- Digital X-rays – The process of taking digital X-rays is quicker and uses far less radiation than film X-rays. Plus, digital images are easier for us to read than film. If needed, we can enlarge the images for more detail.
- Intraoral Camera – This handheld camera easily fits into every corner of your mouth, so we can see everything with less poking and prodding. We can share the images with you to better explain your treatment options.
- Laser Cavity Detectors – Laser fluorescence helps us find cavities before they can be detected by the naked eye.
While our technology helps keep your dental cleanings and exams comfortable, we can also use a topical numbing gel and/or local anesthesia if needed.
For dental cleanings and exams in Tigard, call Premier Dental & Implants at 503-210-9802. You can also schedule online. If you don’t have insurance, you can join our membership club that covers these essential services.
