New Patient Comprehensive Exam
Welcome Appointment

Our recommendation for all new patients to our office is to schedule a comprehensive New Patient Exam with one of our doctors, which usually takes one hour. During this appointment, we will update all necessary radiographs, check all oral hard and soft tissues, and the doctor will tailor a treatment plan to fit your individual needs. Occasionally, if much work is recommended, a consultation appointment may be neccessary to discuss all treatment options and financial alternatives. The New Patient Exam can be scheduled in conjunction with an additional scheduled hour with one of our hygienists if a dental cleaning is necessary, or separately with a hygiene appointment scheduled at a later date.

If you would like to schedule a New Patient Comprehensive Exam or if you have other questions about our office, including insurance coverage, please contact us by phone, fax, or email the front office at frontdesk@sheweyfamilydentistry.com. If you have x-rays from another office you would like to have forwarded to us, please let the front office know at least two weeks prior to your exam.

You can download our health history form prior to your appointment.

If the children come with a parent to their appointment, we have a DVD player with headphones to watch movies in our waiting room, as well as books, toys and puzzles to occupy their time.

Procedures

Bleaching or Whitening can restore the teeth to their natural color. Trays are made from dental molds that the patient can fill with bleaching solution for a period of time. Bleaching syringes come in 10%, 15%, and 20% solutions. Results may vary, but typically 7 days to 2 weeks of consistent daily use provides for optimal results. Our system is safe, effective, and, unlike other in-office procedures or laser-whitening, is long-lasting and has minimal long-term sensitivity.

Implants are a procedure used for tooth replacement. A surgeon, either an oral surgeon or periodontist, embeds the implant into the jaw bone. Once healing occurs, a crown can be placed on the implant by the dentist that conforms to the natural shape and contours of a tooth.

Veneers are very thin shells of porcelain, that when bonded onto the front teeth are very strong restorations. Veneers allow for optimal esthetics and often provide a dramatic result in smile design. If you are interested in veneers, please ask the dentist or dental assistant about smile design options and preferences.

Tooth colored/Composite Restorations are resin fillings used to replace decayed tooth structure or when an older, smaller restoration is failing.

Inlays and Onlays are used when a filling is not sufficient, but a crown is not required. These are very long-lasting restorations and allow for conservation of tooth structure which maintains the integrity of the remaining sound enamel. Inlays/onlays are typically done in ceramic(tooth-colored) or gold.

Traditional Crowns are used to support large fillings, attach bridges, protect weak or fractured teeth and improve the appearance of your teeth. The placement of a crown involves precision, but when completed should conform to your natural tooth and feel comfortable. Crowns can be made in all porcelain, gold or porcelain with a gold substructure. Please ask the dentist or dental assistant about recommendations or preferences.

Root Canal Treatment is necessary to help prevent the loss of a diseased or damaged tooth. Tissue on the interior of your tooth is removed and sealed off. After root canal treatment, a crown is usually necessary to prevent further damage to the tooth.

Periodontal Disease Treatment (scaling/root planing) is necessary when gum tissue becomes damaged from infection. Left untreated, periodontal diseases may lead to tooth loss. Treatment methods depend upon the severity of the disease. If caught early, gingivitis may be improved by daily oral hygiene. Special cleanings, medications or surgery can also be used.