New Patient FAQ

Our team of cosmetic dentists, Dr. Abedi and Dr. Ardalan, welcome each new patient to Desert Dental Solutions with a comprehensive, caring and considerate first appointment. Before meeting your Phoenix dentist, we invite you to get a preview of what your initial appointments will be like... and welcome you to discuss any questions you may have about our new patient process with our Phoenix dental team!

New patients frequently ask... "What will be done during my first visit?"

New patients are generally scheduled for four reasons:

1. Complete Exam
2. Limited Exam
3. Cosmetic Consultation
4. Complete Periodontal Evaluation

Complete Exam: This is a comprehensive oral evaluation. This would include the evaluation and recording of patient’s dental and medical history and general health assessment. We will record dental cavities, missing or unerupted teeth, restorations, occlusal relationships, periodontal conditions, hard and soft tissue anomalies, oral cancer screening, etc. In order to do this, a full mouth series of x-rays is necessary in most cases. The digital radiography available at our office will reduce your exposure to radiation up to 90%. The exposure to radiation in dentistry is very minimal with our advanced technology. If you had x-rays taken within the last 6 months and they are of diagnostic quality (most duplicates are not), you can advise us and bring those to your appointment. If they are more than six months old, new x-rays may need to be taken.

At this visit, we will put a plan together to take care of all of your dental needs. Any specialty evaluation needed will be scheduled. An estimated breakdown of your insurance coverage will be given to you. If you need a routine cleaning, it will usually be performed at this visit. If you haven’t had a cleaning for more than six months, you may require a deep cleaning to improve your periodontal condition, which is generally scheduled for your second appointment.

Limited Exam: This is an evaluation limited to a specific oral health problem or complaint. Typically, patients receiving this type of evaluation have a specific problem and/or dental emergency, trauma, acute infection, etc. Generally, if your treatment involves extractions or drainage of an infection, it will be performed at this visit.

Cosmetic Consultation: This is a complete exam, but in addition to that we will take additional records and pictures to evaluate your cosmetic needs. There are many aspects to this consultation such as gum contouring, smile design, teeth movements, implants, veneers, fillers and grafting that will be evaluated with your goals as our main focus. Generally, a second appointment is scheduled to present the fees and your options for this type of consultation.

Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation: This evaluation is indicated for patients showing signs or symptoms of periodontal disease and for patients with risk factors such as smoking or diabetes. Other patients that will need this evaluation are patients that may need implants, sinus lifts, periodontal plastic surgery and grafting procedures.

In order to do this evaluation, a full mouth series of x-rays is necessary in most cases. All your options, risks and alternatives will be discussed with you at this visit. Our entire Phoenix dental team looks forward to welcoming you, and providing a more comfortable and comprehensive experience!

Contact our team to request more information now!