Walking through the doors of a new dental practice always brings a mix of anticipation and questions. You’re wondering how long the appointment will take, what procedures they’ll perform, and whether you’ll leave with a treatment plan or a clean bill of health.
Your first visit to Lumin8 Dentistry sets the foundation for a partnership focused on your oral health goals. Dr. Jun Carrington and our team have designed the new patient experience to be thorough yet comfortable, combining advanced diagnostic technology with personalized care. Understanding what happens during this initial appointment helps you arrive prepared and confident.
What to Expect Before You Arrive
Your first visit begins before you even walk through our doors. When you schedule your appointment, our team asks about any immediate concerns, insurance information, and medical conditions that might affect your dental care. We send new patient forms to complete online, saving you time at the office and allowing us to review your information before your arrival.
Plan to arrive about 10 minutes early for your appointment. This gives you time to check in, verify your insurance coverage, and address any questions about the paperwork. Bring your photo ID, insurance card, and a list of current medications. If you have dental records or X-rays from a previous dentist, we can request those to avoid unnecessary additional imaging.
Your first appointment typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes. This comprehensive timeframe allows for a complete evaluation, necessary X-rays, professional cleaning, and discussion of findings without feeling rushed.
The Comprehensive Examination
Once you’re settled in the treatment room, a member of our team reviews your dental and medical history with you. We ask about your oral hygiene routine, any current discomfort or concerns, previous dental procedures, and your goals for your smile. This conversation helps Dr. Carrington understand your unique needs and tailor your care accordingly.
Digital X-rays come next. Our advanced imaging technology uses significantly less radiation than traditional X-rays while providing detailed views of your teeth, jawbone, and surrounding structures. These images reveal issues hiding beneath the surface, including cavities between teeth, bone loss, impacted teeth, and infection. The entire X-ray process takes just a few minutes.
Dr. Carrington then performs a thorough clinical examination of your mouth. This includes checking each tooth for signs of decay, examining your gums for periodontal disease, assessing your bite alignment, and screening for oral cancer. The examination also evaluates existing dental work like fillings, crowns, or bridges to ensure they’re still functioning properly.
Professional Dental Cleaning and Assessment
Following your examination, our dental hygienist provides a professional cleaning. This process removes plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and along the gumline using specialized tools. Depending on your oral health status, you may receive a standard cleaning or a deeper scaling procedure if gum disease is present.
The hygienist polishes your teeth to remove surface stains and create a smooth finish that makes it harder for plaque to accumulate. We also floss between all your teeth and may apply fluoride treatment to strengthen your enamel and protect against cavities. Throughout the cleaning, the hygienist discusses proper brushing and flossing techniques tailored to your specific needs.
If it’s been several years between dental visits or if active gum disease is detected, your cleaning might be scheduled as a separate appointment after addressing more urgent concerns. We always prioritize treatments in the order that best serves your oral health.
Treatment Planning and Discussion
After completing your examination and cleaning, Dr. Carrington discusses the findings with you in detail. This conversation covers the current state of your oral health, any issues identified during the examination, and recommended treatments to address concerns. We believe in transparent communication, so you’ll understand exactly what’s happening in your mouth and why specific treatments are beneficial.
If you need additional procedures like composite fillings, porcelain crowns, or dental implants, Dr. Carrington explains each option, the treatment timeline, and expected outcomes. We also discuss cosmetic enhancements you might be interested in, such as teeth whitening or porcelain veneers, if improving your smile’s appearance is one of your goals.
Our team provides detailed cost estimates and reviews your insurance and financing options. We accept many insurance plans and offer flexible payment solutions, including Cherry financing with 0% interest options, to make quality dental care accessible.
Special Accommodations and Technology
We recognize that some patients experience anxiety about dental visits. Our practice offers sedation dentistry options for those who need extra comfort during procedures. We’re also proud to serve military families from Joint Base Lewis-McChord with flexible scheduling and understanding of military benefits.
Our investment in digital dentistry services includes intraoral cameras, digital impressions, and same-day crown capabilities using advanced CAD/CAM technology. These tools enhance precision, reduce treatment time, and improve your overall experience.
Begin Your Journey to Better Oral Health Today
Your first visit establishes a relationship built on trust, communication, and shared commitment to your dental health. Dr. Carrington brings years of experience and dedication to continuing education, ensuring you receive care informed by the latest techniques and technology. Our team takes time to answer all your questions and address concerns, creating a welcoming environment where you feel valued as a patient.
Before you leave, we schedule any necessary follow-up appointments and your next cleaning and checkup, typically recommended every six months. We also provide a toothbrush, floss, and any specific oral care products that benefit your needs. Ready to experience comprehensive dental care in a comfortable, modern setting? Contact Lumin8 Dentistry today to schedule your first appointment with Dr. Carrington and discover the difference personalized attention makes in your oral health journey.
