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A Westside Family Dentist

Our team is highly trained to provide quality service every step of the way. We promise to thoroughly evaluate and discuss your treatment plan with honesty and integrity.

Your comfort and satisfaction are very important to Tepe Dentistry.

 

We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have regarding your first dentist visit—just call us, email us, or ask the staff or dentist when you arrive.

Please come in 15 minutes before your appointment so you have time to complete your paperwork. We make every attempt to send a new patient packet to you before your appointment if timing permits.

Initial appointments are made for different reasons and what to expect depends on the patient’s needs:

 

Emergency visit:

We will get you into our office as soon as possible.

New patient paperwork will be completed and reviewed with you, including the medical history.

The dentist will examine and address the chief complaint with x-rays and a series of questions and tests: Where is issue/pain? How long have you had pain? Off/on pain or constant? Sharp or dull ache? Hot/cold sensitivity? Pain when biting? Pain to touch? Swelling? Inflammation? Cracked/broken tooth?

Depending on what our schedule allows, we will at the minimum relieve immediate pain, discuss treatment needed, and schedule you back for permanent treatment.

 

Consult/2nd Opinion:

New patient paperwork will be completed and reviewed with you, including medical history.

A comprehensive exam will be completed, x-rays taken, and sometimes impressions for study models are taken depending on the patient’s needs. If you are coming for a 2nd opinion and recently saw another dentist, bring your x-rays with you or have them emailed to our office. If we do not have the x-rays present for the exam we may need to take a new set.

A diagnosis and treatment plan will be made and reviewed with you by the dentist. Our highly trained office staff will answer any questions or concerns you might have, including the payment options available and how your dental insurance works.

 

Initial Comprehensive Exam:

New patient paperwork will be completed and reviewed with you, including medical history.

Your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and mouth, and take x-rays. Sometimes a full mouth series of x-rays is needed to evaluate for infection, broken teeth, calculus present, bone levels, and decay. Sometimes a panoramic radiograph is helpful for your dentist to view unerupted or impacted teeth, as well as sinus conditions, and can detect lesions or fractures in the jaw.

A comprehensive exam will be completed noting any issues detected and an oral cancer screening will be completed.

The dentist and hygienist will review the status of your oral health and any treatment required. Your treatment plan is designed to prevent small issues from getting bigger and more expensive, so it will address the problems that are bothering you now and may also identify others that could impact your long-term oral health.

There's a possibility you won't receive a teeth cleaning at your first appointment. Each new patient relationship starts with an initial exam so your dental team can understand your needs and concerns, tailoring your hygiene treatment to you. Depending on your dental history and clinical presentation we may need to schedule a little differently, allowing you to get the most out of your cleaning appointments and the time and attention you deserve.

After you’ve talked with your dentist, our highly trained office staff will answer any questions or concerns you might have, including the payment options available and how your dental insurance works.