Dental Services
Your Personal and Thorough Examination
It may sound intimidating and clinical, “thorough examination,” but rest assured, we value fun and happiness! You’re our guest, and we’ll help you feel relaxed and comfortable. However, Dr. Harvey, Dr. Secrist, and our team will never skimp on excellence.
When you call our office, we’ll guide you to this website so that you can complete your registration forms online. We’ll also answer all of your questions and address your concerns on any issue. Your appointment will be reserved for a time that fits within your schedule. We know you’re busy! Most modern families have difficulty prioritizing dental visits for this very reason. So we’ll always respect your time, see you promptly after your arrival, and work with you to make dental visits convenient.
One of our friendly dental assistants may take X-rays and information to update your records. Then, Dr. Harvey or Dr. Secrest will make personal introductions and chat with you about your expectations, problems, and primary concerns. Your “thorough examination” will be a non-stressful assessment of your teeth, gums, and jaws. The dentist will look for faulty dental work or tooth decay, as well as disease or suspicious lesions on your soft tissues. He may ask if you grind your teeth, snore, or have headaches and mouth pain. All of these issues may be related to your jaw position.
Treatment Planning Consultation & Explanation
The dentist may also record digital photos of your smile, teeth, and gums. These, along with your X-rays and CAESY videos, provide visual aids for your treatment planning consultation. Dr. Harvey or Dr. Secrist will sit down with you and review the images, pointing out areas of concern. A complete explanation will be provided, and your questions are always welcome. Ask anything! If you’re worried about finances, discomfort, treatment time, or another issue, we’re here to provide answers. The doctors offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and sedation dentistry to maximize patient comfort during dental procedures. When your consultation is complete, you should feel informed and empowered to make good decisions regarding treatment. Honesty is the key to overcoming barriers that keep you from the smile and oral health you deserve. We’ll always respect your decisions and help you meet your goals.
Dental Hygiene Visits
If you don’t have gum disease –80% of the population does – we will complete a cleaning at your first visit. Your hygienist will examine and record information about your gum tissue, then clean the plaque, tartar (hard plaque), and decaying food particles from your teeth. A professional hygiene visit every six months will keep your teeth from accumulating plaque, which will deter gingivitis and other forms of gum disease.
The entire process takes just over an hour. Before you go, we’ll schedule a follow-up visit if the dentist recommended a restorative procedure, deep cleaning, or if you’d like to discuss cosmetic dental services.