Walking into a new dental office for the first time can feel a little intimidating. You don’t know the staff, you’re not sure what to expect, and you might be carrying some anxiety from past experiences. We understand that feeling at Dental Excellence. That’s why we want to walk you through exactly what happens during a new patient exam with Dr. Ousborne or Dr. Esterson. No surprises, no mystery; just a clear picture of what your first visit will look like.
Before You Arrive
We make the paperwork part as easy as possible. You can fill out your new patient forms online from the comfort of your home before you even walk through our doors.
This saves you time in the waiting room and lets us focus on what matters most: getting to know you and your smile. If you have dental records or X-rays from a previous dentist, feel free to bring them along.
Step 1: Welcome and Conversation
When you arrive at our Towson dental office on West Road, our front desk team will greet you. They’ll check you in, verify your information, and answer any initial questions.
Then, a member of our clinical team will bring you back to the treatment area. This is where the real conversation begins. We’ll ask about your dental history, any concerns you have, and what you’re hoping to achieve with your smile.
Step 2: Comprehensive Oral Exam
Dr. Ousborne or Dr. Esterson will perform a thorough examination of your entire mouth. This includes checking your teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth soft tissues.
They’ll also evaluate your bite and jaw joint to make sure everything is functioning properly. This comprehensive approach is part of our prosthodontic training; we look at the big picture, not just individual teeth.
Step 3: Digital X-Rays and Imaging
We use advanced digital X-rays that require significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays. These images give us a detailed view of what’s happening beneath the surface.
Digital X-rays help us spot cavities between teeth, check your jawbone health, and evaluate existing restorations. They’re quick, comfortable, and provide instant images we can review with you right there in the room.
Step 4: Oral Cancer Screening
Every new patient exam includes an oral cancer screening. This is a quick, painless visual and physical check of your lips, cheeks, tongue, and throat.
Catching oral cancer early makes a significant difference in treatment outcomes. It’s one of the many ways we prioritize your overall health, not just your teeth.
Step 5: Gum Health Evaluation
We’ll gently measure the pockets between your teeth and gums using a small probe. This tells us if you have any signs of gum disease or if your gums are healthy.
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. If we find any concerns, we’ll talk with you about what that means and what steps we can take together to protect your gum health.
Step 6: Discussion and Treatment Planning
After the exam, we’ll sit down with you and talk about what we found. We’ll show you your X-rays and images, explain any areas of concern, and answer all your questions.
This is the most important part of the visit. We believe that a well-informed patient is a confident patient. There’s no pressure and no judgment, just honest conversation about your options.
Step 7: Your First Cleaning
In many cases, we can perform your first professional cleaning during this same appointment. This removes built-up plaque and tartar, leaving your teeth feeling fresh and smooth.
If your gums need more time to heal or you have significant buildup, we may recommend a separate appointment for a deeper cleaning. Either way, we’ll be upfront with you about what’s best for your specific situation.
What We Don’t Do
- We don’t rush you.
- We don’t push treatments you don’t need.
- We don’t make you feel bad about past dental care or lack of it.
Our entire approach is built on respect, patience, and genuine care. Over 40 years of serving Towson families has taught us what matters most.
Ready to Schedule Your First Visit?
If you’ve been putting off finding a new dentist, we invite you to take that first step. You’ll find a warm welcome, a thorough exam, and a team that truly listens.
Call Dental Excellence at (410) 514-6553 or request your new patient exam online. We look forward to meeting you.