Your First Visit at Ivory Dental: What to Expect at Your New Patient Appointment

If you've been searching for a new dentist in Winter Park, you've likely found yourself wondering what to expect during your first visit. At Ivory Dental, we understand that choosing a new dental provider can feel overwhelming, which is why we've designed our new patient experience to be comprehensive, comfortable, and efficient. Our most popular scheduling option – the new patient checkup and cleaning – allows you to get everything you need in a single, convenient one-hour appointment.

Why Our New Patient Checkup and Cleaning is Our Most Popular Appointment

When you're looking for a dentist in Winter Park, you want to know that your time is valued and your oral health needs are thoroughly addressed. That's exactly what our new patient checkup and cleaning appointment delivers. This comprehensive 60-minute visit combines everything a new patient needs: a complete dental examination, full set of x-rays, and a standard dental cleaning, and time to discuss any concerns you may have about your oral health or even cosmetic dentistry.

This appointment type has become our most popular appointment booking because it avoids the need for multiple visit. Instead of scheduling separate appointments for your checkup and then cleaning, you can accomplish everything in one efficient visit to our Winter Park dental office.

What Happens During Your First Visit at Ivory Dental

Welcome and Paperwork
Your appointment begins with a warm welcome from our front desk team. If you haven't completed your new patient forms online, we’ll ask you to spend a few minutes to finish any remaining paperwork, and we can help you with any harder parts (like insurance). We keep this process streamlined so you can focus on what matters most – your oral health.

Comprehensive Dental X-Rays
The first clinical step of your visit involves taking a full set of dental x-rays. These images are essential for Dr. Yu to get a complete picture of your oral health, including areas that aren't visible during a visual examination. Our digital x-ray technology is fast, comfortable, and uses minimal radiation while providing crystal-clear images of your teeth, roots, and surrounding bone structure.

These comprehensive x-rays allow us to detect potential issues early, including cavities between teeth, problems with existing dental work, impacted teeth, bone loss, and other conditions that might not cause symptoms in their early stages.

Efficient and Thorough Examination by Dr. Yu
Following your x-rays, Dr. Yu will conduct a comprehensive dental examination. While she evaluates your entire oral health status – including each tooth, gum conditions, bone health, and other important factors – her expertise allows her to do this quickly and efficiently with minimal time and discomfort.

Some patients may be surprised if Dr. Yu only needs to spend a few moments looking and asks just a few key questions during your examination. This streamlined approach is intentional, designed to minimize the amount of time you spend with your mouth open while still ensuring nothing important is missed. We understand that many patients feel self-conscious about their teeth, so we work efficiently to keep you comfortable.

Prior to your examination, Dr. Yu will review your medical history and current medications, as these can impact any specific recommendations she may have. She'll assess your gums for any signs of concern, evaluate each tooth for decay or other issues, and check any existing dental work like fillings or crowns. While she conducts thorough screenings for various conditions during every exam, she focuses her discussion on observations that are relevant to your immediate oral health needs, keeping the conversation productive and reassuring.

Things You Should Ask For
Whether you have questions about cosmetic treatments, are experiencing sensitivity, or want to discuss options for improving your smile, Dr. Yu will take the time to address your individual needs and goals. Please ask! If at anytime you come up with a question you forgot to ask, just mention it to any staff member and we can be sure Dr. Yu will address the question.

This is also an excellent opportunity to discuss any dental anxiety you might have, your oral hygiene routine, or specific concerns about treatments you might need. We believe informed patients make the best decisions about their oral health, so no question is too small or unimportant.

Professional Dental Cleaning (Prophylaxis)
The final portion of your new patient appointment includes a thorough dental cleaning performed by one of our skilled dental hygienists. This standard cleaning, also called a prophylaxis, involves:

• Removal of plaque and tartar buildup from above and below the gum line

• Professional polishing to remove surface stains and smooth tooth surfaces

• Flossing between all teeth to ensure complete plaque removal

• Application of fluoride treatment if recommended and consented

During your cleaning, our hygienists will also provide personalized daily oral hygiene tips and pointers based on what they observe during your visit. This might include recommendations for brushing techniques, flossing methods that work best for your specific needs, or advice on timing and frequency of your home care routine. They'll also provide specific product recommendations for toothpaste and mouthwash that would be most beneficial for your individual oral health situation.

By including the cleaning in your first visit, you leave our office with not only a complete understanding of your oral health status but also with clean, fresh teeth and gums, plus the knowledge you need to maintain optimal oral health at home.

What Makes This Appointment Different

Our comprehensive new patient approach allows you to receive your examination, x-rays, and professional cleaning all in one convenient visit. Many dental offices schedule cleanings separately, requiring patients to return for an additional appointment just for their cleaning. At Ivory Dental, we offer same-day cleanings so you can complete everything you need in a single visit – saving you time and ensuring you leave with both a complete understanding of your oral health and professionally cleaned teeth.

However, it's important to note that some patients may require additional appointments if Dr. Yu identifies the need for deep cleanings or more extensive procedures during your examination. In these cases, we'll discuss your treatment options and help you understand the recommended next steps.

Our focus on comfort also sets us apart from other dental practices. We understand that being comfortable leads to better outcomes for the patient experience and a better understanding of treatment. When patients are in a calm and relaxing environment, they can focus on their dental needs with a clear head, make sound judgments about their oral health, and ask questions to clarify their understanding.

Preparing for Your First Visit

To make the most of your new patient appointment at our Winter Park dental office, we recommend:

• Completing your new patient forms online before your visit

• Preparing any questions about your oral health or cosmetic concerns

• Bringing your insurance information and a valid ID

• Arriving a few minutes early to ensure a relaxed start to your appointment

Ready to Schedule Your New Patient Appointment?

Whether you're new to the Winter Park area, haven't been to the dentist in a while, or are simply looking for a dental practice that values your time and health, we're here to provide the thorough, comfortable care you deserve.

You can book your new patient appointment online to browse our available schedule, or give our office a call and our friendly staff will be happy to help you find the perfect time for your visit. We look forward to welcoming you to the Ivory Dental family and helping you achieve optimal oral health in our comfortable, modern Winter Park dental office.

Book Your New Patient Appointment Today