The first step to a healthy smile

A dental consultation includes several steps: review of medical and dental history; complete clinical exam of teeth, gums, and oral tissues; digital X-rays when needed; oral cancer screening; bite and TMJ evaluation; discussion of your concerns; detailed diagnosis; and presentation of a personalized treatment plan. The appointment typically lasts approximately 30 minutes.

For most people, we recommend appointments every 6 months. However, frequency may vary: patients with gingivitis or periodontitis may need visits every 3-4 months; smokers and diabetics have higher risk and may need more frequent monitoring; patients with excellent oral health may extend to 9-12 months. Your dentist will recommend the ideal frequency for your specific case.

X-rays reveal problems invisible to the naked eye: cavities between teeth or under existing restorations; bone loss caused by periodontal disease; infections at tooth roots (abscesses); impacted teeth (especially wisdom teeth); cysts or tumors; and developmental problems in children. We use digital X-rays that emit up to 80% less radiation than traditional ones and produce instant high-quality images.

Oral cancer screening is a quick visual and tactile exam included in every consultation. We check the tongue (top, bottom, and sides), inside of cheeks, roof of mouth, throat, gums, lips, and neck. We look for white or red patches, non-healing ulcers, lumps, or hardened areas. Early detection dramatically increases survival chances - from 50% to over 80% when caught early.

Yes, for a more efficient consultation, bring: list of current medications (including supplements); relevant medical history (allergies, chronic conditions, recent surgeries); previous dental X-rays if available; health insurance card if applicable; and a list of your concerns or symptoms. If you are nervous, let us know so we can ensure your comfort.

No, the evaluation consultation involves no pain. It consists only of visual examination, gentle gum probing, and X-rays (which cause no pain). If you have sensitivity in any area, let us know and we will take extra care. If any treatment is needed in the future, we explain everything in advance and use appropriate anesthesia for your comfort.

Your medical history is crucial because: some medications affect oral health (cause dry mouth, affect clotting); conditions like diabetes increase gum disease risk; some heart conditions require preventive antibiotics; allergies may affect material and anesthetic choices; cancer treatments affect oral health; pregnancy influences treatment planning. This information allows us to personalize your care safely.

Dental anxiety is very common and we completely understand. We offer several strategies: open communication about your fears before starting; step-by-step explanation of each procedure; agreed signal to pause at any time; music or headphones to relax; calm and welcoming environment; conscious sedation for cases of greater anxiety. The first consultation is an excellent opportunity to get to know us in a pressure-free environment.

The oral exam is very comprehensive: teeth (cavities, cracks, erosion, wear); gums (color, inflammation, bleeding, recession); tongue (color, texture, lesions); cheeks and lips (ulcers, patches); roof of mouth and throat; bite and alignment; temporomandibular joint (TMJ); neck and glands; existing restorations (condition and seal); and signs of bruxism (teeth grinding). Each element provides valuable information about your oral and overall health.

The first consultation focuses on complete evaluation and diagnosis. Professional cleaning (scaling and polishing) is usually scheduled as a separate appointment or can be done the same day if time allows and if appropriate for your case. In some cases, especially with gum disease, a different type of cleaning may be needed that requires specific planning.

Many dental problems develop silently: cavities in early stages don't hurt; gum disease is often painless until advanced stages; oral cancer may not cause early symptoms; tooth erosion is gradual and imperceptible. When there is pain, the problem is already advanced and treatment is more complex, invasive, and expensive. Prevention is always simpler, more economical, and more comfortable than treatment.

The price shown for the consultation — see our reference price list — covers the consultation itself: history, complete clinical exam, diagnosis and treatment plan. If complementary exams such as X-rays or a 3D CT (CBCT) scan are needed during the appointment, their cost is presented to you there and then, before anything is carried out, and is additional to the consultation fee. Nothing is done before you know what it costs. We work with various insurance providers and offer flexible payment plans — contact us for detailed information about costs and conditions.