New Patient Exam/First Visit

What to Expect on Your First Visit

Are you a new dental patient at Gardner Dentists and wondering what to expect on your initial visit? Here are a few quick tips for what you can do to help us best serve you, as well as an overview of what you can expect during your first visit.

What to Bring:

We request all our new patients arrive 15 minutes early.  This helps ensure you have ample time to complete necessary forms. If you prefer to get a head start, you may download the new patient forms in advance at home, print, and bring with you to your appointment.

Please bring your dental insurance card with you to your appointment.  The information printed on your card is necessary for us to file any insurance claims on your behalf.  (If ever your insurance changes, you'll want to notify our office immediately and provide an updated insurance card).

What to Expect:

Once you’ve been called back for your appointment, x-rays and/or photographs of your smile will be taken. A dental hygienist will thoroughly clean and polish your teeth. You'll then be introduced to Dr. Markway or Dr. Haworth who will get to know you and listen to gain an understanding of your dental and medical history. This is a good time for you to share any dental concerns or problems you may be experiencing.  During this time Dr. Markway or Dr. Haworth will review your x-rays for signs of tooth decay, and bone loss. They'll then perform a comprehensive oral exam which includes checking the health of your teeth and gums, and any existing restorative work. They'll specifically be checking for areas of tooth decay, and tooth or gum abnormalities/disease.  Additionally they'll perform a full oral cancer screening assessing your mouth, tongue, throat, tissues, gums, and neck.  Our ultimate goal is to get to know you, obtain an overall view of your current oral health, and then diagnose and treat any problem as early as possible to prevent serious changes in your oral health.