Your First Dental Visit
What Is Done During a New Patient Exam
Transcript
A new patient exam is probably the most important appointment in my practice. It provides an opportunity for the patient and I to get to know each other. Right after I greet the patient in the reception room, I escort them back to the treatment room and start a conversation. This usually begins with me asking the patient, “How may I help you?”. Some patients come for a regular checkup, others come in with a specific concern that can be from a regular toothache to a jaw issue or a small issue.
I have the patient elaborate on their concern, and after we get to know each other in that sense, we’ll start collecting data. The data consists of photograms and x-rays. The photograms are done to capture the shape and color of the teeth, the orientation or where the gumline is, and the relationship of the lips to the teeth. X-rays allows me to see between the teeth and see if there are any cavities, any pathology or infection in the bone area.
After that, I do a comprehensive exam that includes checking the muscles around the jaw area, the bite, an oral cancer screening exam, examination of the gums and finally, the teeth to establish a baseline of what the teeth have.
Finally, I give them a tour of their mouth that starts on the outside and then moves on to the inside. As part of the exam, we do a smile evaluation for each patient and I tell them what can be done to enhance their smile, referring them to different treatments. Together, we come up with a treatment plan addressing the patient’s time and financial situation.
Transcript
Victor K. Muradian, D.D.S., offering esthetic general dentistry in Simi Valley, California.
Dr. Muradian is highly trained and educated in all aspects of dentistry as he graduated from USC’s school of dentistry. He is also an active member of the Santa Barbara/Ventura County Dental Society and the American Dental Association.
Our office offers various services including sedation dentistry for nervous patients, dental
implants for missing teeth, general dentistry for exceptional oral health, cosmetic dentistry for smile
design and preventative dentistry to avoid harmful oral conditions.
We use the most advanced dental equipment for increased dental care and comfort.
We offer five-star dental service and a dental experience like no other. Your comfort is our specialty. We
guarantee personalized care with an emphasis on patient comfort!
We welcome all of the patients as if they were family at our state-of-the-art facility. We are located at 3695 Alamo Street, #300 in Simi Valley. Call us today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you.
It starts with the first telephone call you make to the office. When you call to schedule your appointment, our friendly staff will ask you questions so our first session together will go smoothly and we can customize our care to meet your particular needs.
Prior to your visit we will mail you a ‘Get Acquainted’ letter with our practice package. Included in this package: Practice philosophy letter, Dental/Medical history form and our Office Policy form. You may fill the forms at your leisure and bring them to your first visit. We also will request with your permission x-rays from your prior dentist.
We guarantee your first visit will be a pleasant experience. The visit begins with a warm welcome by our appointment coordinator. Soon, Dr. Muradian will greet you and escort you to one of our treatment rooms. In addition to reviewing your dental and medical history, Dr. Muradian will listen and learn about your personal needs and understand the level of dental health care you would like to have. He will then take clinical photographs of your smile and order the necessary X-rays. A pleasant clinical coordinator will begin a series of digital x-rays. The radiation exposure is equivalent to sitting in front of a television for two hours.
Next, Dr. Muradian will perform a thorough examination of the hard tissue (teeth and bone), soft tissue (gums and muscles), jaw joints (TMJ), and occlusion (bite). In addition he will perform an oral cancer screening and a smile analysis for those interested in enhancing their smiles. Generally this will take one hour.
Dr. Muradian will then give you a visual tour of your mouth (this might be on another day). You will see how other people see you and what could be done to improve your smile. Furthermore, you will see what Dr. Muradian sees. During the tour he will discuss his finding and answer your questions and concerns. Together you and Dr. Muradian will formulate the best comprehensive treatment plan for you.
This approach to dental care is based on the philosophy that education is the best form of preventive medicine. Preventive dentistry is much, much less expensive than the alternatives. Also, an informed patient has less apprehension and fear in regard to their dental visits.
The treatment plan acts as a road map. Rest assured we would also address your individual comfort at each appointment. You may select from our extensive comfort menu; see our specialty for further information.