Your First Visit to Harmony Dental Group
Here at Harmony Dental Group, we love meeting new patients. Part of easing your concerns is explaining what you can expect from our practice. When you are new to our office, we put in the effort to provide you with a positive and comforting experience. Once you have been with us for a while, you can continue to expect the highest level of service. We focus on providing quality dental care, excellent customer service, and a relaxing environment to maintain a lasting patient relationship. We consider your first visit the start of a long-term relationship with you.
During your initial appointment, we will perform various tests to assess the condition of your oral health and to create a dental plan based on your unique, individual needs. We look forward to meeting you!
For more information on your initial visit or to request an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at (858) 550-8000!
What to Bring to Your Appointment
- A copy of your dental insurance card (if you have insurance)
- Recent X-rays (if taken within the last six months) and/or dental records
- A list of all medications you take (if any)
- Contact information of any medical specialists
- Completed new patient forms (you can also arrive early to complete them in our office if that’s easier.)
- An adult over the age of 18, if you’re a minor
Save time by filling out forms ahead of your appointment
Are you ready to smile?
We know visits to the dentist aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. We promise our friendly and welcoming team will make you feel comfortable and give you the best dental care.
What happens at my first visit?
Comprehensive Exam
New patients will receive a comprehensive exam, as it allows us to get a complete picture of their oral health and identify any potential issues early on. This can help us develop a personalized treatment plan that’s tailored to your specific needs and reduce the cost of avoidable treatments in the future.
Digital X-Rays
At Harmony Dental Group, we utilize digital dental x-rays as part of our new patient exams to get a comprehensive understanding of our patients’ oral health. These x-rays allow us to see inside the tooth and beneath the gums, helping us to identify issues such as tooth decay, infections, and bone loss.
One of the benefits of digital dental x-rays is that they produce a clear, high-resolution image that can be easily viewed on a computer screen. This allows us to more accurately diagnose and treat any issues that may be present. Digital x-rays are also faster and more efficient than traditional film x-rays, as they do not require the development process and can be easily stored and accessed electronically. We believe that incorporating digital dental x-rays into our new patient exams is crucial in helping us to provide the highest level of care to our patients.
Screening for Oral Cancer and Gum Disease
During your appointment, our dentist will visually examine your mouth, tongue, and surrounding tissues for any signs of oral cancer or precancerous tissue. If necessary, we may also recommend a biopsy to confirm the presence of abnormal or cancerous cells.
We will also check for signs of periodontal disease, which is an infection of the gums that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. This includes measuring the depth of the pockets between your gums and teeth, the height of bone around each tooth, as well as evaluating the overall health of your gums.
By including these screenings as part of your regular dental visits, we can identify any potential issues early on and take the necessary steps to treat them, helping to keep your mouth healthy and functional.
Preventive Cleaning
We recommend scheduling regular preventative dental cleanings as a crucial aspect of maintaining good oral health. These cleanings involve removing plaque and tartar, which can build up on the teeth over time and lead to tooth decay and gum disease if left untreated. If you have active gum disease, a different type of cleaning will be necessary.
During your cleaning, one of our dental hygienists will use special instruments to carefully remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth and along the gumline. In addition to helping to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, regular cleanings can also help to freshen your breath and give you a brighter, more polished smile. They can also help us identify potential issues early on, allowing for prompt treatment and helping to prevent the need for more extensive and costly procedures down the road.
Oral health experts recommend scheduling preventative dental cleanings every six months to keep your smile looking and feeling its best.
If You Need Any Treatment
If during your exam at Harmony Dental Group, our dentist finds that you need any treatment, we will discuss our recommendations with you and provide you with an individualized treatment plan. This plan will outline the specific steps that need to be taken in order to address the issue and may include a combination of different procedures and/or therapies.
Depending on the nature and complexity of the treatment needed, it may be necessary to schedule additional appointments to complete the necessary procedures. It is important to follow your treatment plan as directed in order to achieve the best possible outcomes. If you have any concerns or questions about your treatment plan, don’t hesitate to let us know, as our La Jolla dentist will be happy to discuss them with you.
Insurance and Payment Information
At a dentist office, insurance and financing options are often available to help new patients cover the costs of their dental care. If you have dental insurance, your plan may cover a portion of the costs of your treatment. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with your specific insurance plan and to bring your insurance information with you to your appointment. Our staff will be happy to assist you in understanding your insurance coverage and in submitting any necessary claims.
If you do not have dental insurance or if your insurance does not cover the full cost of your treatment, financing options may be available. These may include payment plans or third-party financing through companies such as CareCredit. Our staff will be happy to provide you with information about these options and to help you find a solution that works for you. We believe that everyone deserves access to the affordable oral care their smile needs.
Ongoing Preventative Care
Are you due for a dental checkup or cleaning? Do you have a tooth that needs attention? Call Harmony Dental Group in La Jolla, CA today to schedule your new patient exam.
