At Fernandez, DMD, we believe that great dental care begins with a solid foundation, and that starts with your initial oral exam. Whether you’re new to the area, switching dentists, or visiting a dentist for the first time in a while, your initial oral examination is one of the most important appointments you’ll have. It sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles by giving us a full picture of your oral health and allowing us to tailor care to your unique needs.
Here’s everything you need to know about what to expect during your first visit with us, why it matters, and how it can positively impact your long-term health.
An initial oral exam is a comprehensive dental evaluation that gives our team a complete understanding of your current oral health. Think of it as a roadmap, it shows us where you are and helps us guide you to where you want to be with your dental wellness.
This exam goes beyond a quick check of your teeth. It includes a thorough assessment of your gums, bite, jaw, and the soft tissues of your mouth, as well as any signs of issues like cavities, gum disease, misalignment, or oral cancer. It also includes a discussion of your dental and medical history, lifestyle habits, and goals for your smile.
Your initial visit typically lasts about 60 to 90 minutes. Here’s what we’ll cover:
We begin by reviewing your medical history, including any conditions, allergies, medications, or previous dental treatments. This helps us understand your overall health and any factors that may influence your dental care.
We’ll take a series of digital X-rays to get a detailed view of your teeth, bone structure, and jaw joints. These images allow us to detect issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye, such as decay between teeth, bone loss, or impacted teeth.
Healthy gums are essential to a healthy mouth. We’ll check for signs of gum disease such as swelling, bleeding, or pocket depth between the gums and teeth. Early detection is key to preventing more serious periodontal issues.
Each tooth will be checked for signs of decay, fractures, wear, or other damage. We’ll also look at any existing fillings, crowns, or other restorations to ensure they’re still in good shape.
We evaluate how your upper and lower teeth fit together (your bite), and check for signs of clenching, grinding, or jaw joint dysfunction (TMJ disorder), which can cause discomfort and long-term damage if left untreated.
We perform a careful exam of the tongue, cheeks, throat, palate, and lips to check for any suspicious lesions or tissue changes. Oral cancer screening is quick and painless but can be life-saving if early warning signs are found.
In many cases, we’ll also perform a dental cleaning during this visit, unless more advanced gum treatment is needed. This helps remove plaque, tartar, and stains that can’t be cleaned away with brushing alone.
Your first exam with us is more than a routine check-up, it’s the start of a dental relationship built on trust, understanding, and preventive care. This visit allows us to:
Many serious dental issues, like cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer, often don’t show obvious symptoms in the early stages. With the help of advanced diagnostics and a thorough clinical evaluation, we can catch these issues early and recommend the best course of action.
After we’ve completed the exam, we’ll take time to review our findings with you. You’ll receive a full explanation of any areas of concern, along with treatment recommendations and answers to all your questions. If additional care is needed, such as fillings, gum treatment, or orthodontic referrals, we’ll work with you to prioritize and schedule the next steps.
Your treatment plan is just that: yours. We never take a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we focus on realistic, compassionate care that fits your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Whether you’re bringing in a young child for their very first dental visit, are a senior looking for a new provider, or fall anywhere in between, we tailor our approach to suit your age, comfort level, and dental goals. We also welcome patients with dental anxiety and make every effort to create a calm, reassuring experience.
We’re honored you’re considering Fernandez, DMD, for your dental care. From your very first visit, our mission is to treat you with warmth, respect, and excellence in care.
Let’s take the first step toward a healthier smile together.
Call us today at 941-639-1124 to schedule your initial oral exam. We are conveniently located at 502 E. Olympia Ave., Punta Gorda, FL 33950. We look forward to welcoming you!
