New Patients :: What to Expect
We believe that a comprehensive exam is the best way to begin obtaining a healthy beautiful smile. In order to ensure success during all of our procedures, we first take the time to fully and thoroughly evaluate your present dental condition. Our goal is to obtain all necessary information in order to diagnose both your wants as well as your needs. Everyone's dental needs are unique, so we will customize treatment to allow each person to enjoy the benefits of a lifetime of dental health.
- Upon arrival you will be greeted by your treatment coordinator, see all of our facility and be introduced to the other member of our dental team.
- All necessary X-rays will be taken along with photography of your smile and teeth
- Periodontal tests to determine any signs of gum disease will be performed
- A full mouth oral cancer screening will be performed
- A tooth by tooth exam by Dr. McGregor will be performed while utilizing our intra-oral camera
- An occlusion exam will be done to determine how your bite and teeth meet
- We will complete a cosmetic smile analysis which may also include computerized imaging in order to preview any cosmetic enhancements you may desire
- You may view an educational video
This exam will take about 60 to 90 minutes of your time. It will not hurt in any way. All treatment will be fully discussed with you and mutually planned. All financial concerns will be discussed, arranged and agreed upon. Please call us or e-mail if you have any further questions.
Emergency/Crisis Treatment
Many people don't see a dentist on a regular basis. They go only when they feel they have a problem. At Briarwood Dental we call this "crisis treatment" as opposed to "preventive treatment".
While these patients may feel they are saving money, it usually ends up costing much more in both dollars and time. The reason for this is that most dental problems don't have any symptoms until they reach the advanced stages.
One example is tooth decay. In our office we hear all the time, "Nothing hurts. I don't have any problems." But tooth decay doesn't hurt until it gets close to the nerve of the tooth. Then a root canal and crown or onlay are usually necessary, instead of the small fillings which could have been placed several years ago when the cavity was small. Dr. McGregor can usually detect a cavity 3-4 years before it may develop any symptoms. It is not uncommon to see a patient with a tremendous cavity and they have never felt a thing!
So our first line of defense is to come to our office for regular check-ups and cleanings on a preventive basis.
If you do find yourself in a dental crisis, call our office early in the morning on one of our scheduled days. We will tell you the time when we can most conveniently work you into our schedule. This visit will entail a short exam and usually a pharmaceutical prescription. You will be seen as promptly as possible, and we will get you out of any pain. However, please expect that you will be reappointed for any needed treatment at a later time.
Patient Forms
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Call 515.965.5999 or 800.373.9389 for your consultation.
