APPOINTMENTS >> First Appointment
What To Expect
Your first appointment includes a comprehensive examination of the condition of your mouth. We gather information about disease, decay, and function so that we can recommend the appropriate treatment to restore and to maintain your oral health. This comprehensive exam includes a full set of X-rays, a periodontal exam, an oral cancer exam, and a visual exam. These exams enable us to gather information to design a course of treatment to eliminate disease and restore healthy, beautiful teeth.
To make your first appointment,call us at (404) 264-0002 or email us at frontdesk@phreynoldsdds.com. When you make your first appointment, we will mail you an information package that contains several forms you will need to complete and bring to your first visit. Please ensure that you fill your health form in completely. We appreciate 48 hours' notice to reschedule your appointment.
X-Rays
We take a full set of X-rays that shows the condition of your teeth, roots and bone, and allow us to determine the presence or degree of periodontal (gum) disease, abscesses, abnormal growths, impacted teeth, decay, and other signs of disease that are not visible to the naked eye.
Periodontal Exam
A periodontal exam enables us to determine the health of your gums. By checking for signs of infection and probing around each tooth to measure the depths of the pockets, we can establish the presence or degree of gum disease. If no periodontal disease is present, we clean your teeth during this appointment. If gum disease is present, we explain and schedule the treatment you need. The periodontal exam is crucial for all patients since more adults lose their teeth as a result of gum disease than of any other cause. In addition, oral infections can affect your overall health.
Oral Cancer Exam
We perform an oral cancer exam to search for abnormal lumps, bumps, red spots, white spots, brown spots, or any other suspicious areas where tissue changes occur. Because early intervention with oral cancer is important, we also use the Velscope light system to detect abnormal changes.
Visual Exam
A visual exam enables us to check for decay, defective restoration, structural compromise, tooth position, and unusual wear. We also take note of missing teeth, spaces, crowding and color, and consider gum position and contour as well as symptoms related to temperature and pressure. We may also use the Diagnodent, a small laser instrument, to help us detect decay in its early stages.