What to Expect at Your First Visit to Prairie Village Dentists
Trying a new dental office can come with a lot of questions, but at Prairie Village Dentists, our goal is to make your first visit comfortable, informative, and personalized from the moment you walk through our doors.
A Warm Welcome
When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by our friendly front desk team, who are here to help you feel right at home. And don’t be surprised if you’re also welcomed by a few happy barks from Benny, our beloved office pup! Benny enjoys meeting new patients just as much as we do.
Digital X-Rays
Your first visit typically includes a complete set of digital X-rays, which may include bitewings and periapical (PA) images. We also use CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) imaging when appropriate to provide a detailed, three-dimensional view of your teeth, jaw, bone, and surrounding structures.
Already had X-rays taken within the last year? No problem! If we’ve received them from your previous dental office, we’ll likely already have them in your chart, saving you from unnecessary repeat imaging.
See Your Mouth in 3-D
We also use a full-mouth, 3-D digital scan to give you—and your doctor—a detailed, visual look at your teeth, bite, and oral structures.
Unlike traditional dental X-rays, the 3-D digital scan creates a digital model of your mouth that allows us to look at your teeth from multiple angles. More importantly, it gives you the opportunity to actually see what we’re seeing.
During your exam, we may use your scan to help visualize things such as:
The position and alignment of your teeth
Your bite and how your teeth come together
Gum recession
Abfraction and areas of tooth wear
Cavities and other changes to the tooth structure
Fractured or cracked areas of teeth
Other areas we may want to monitor over time
We believe dental care is more meaningful when you can see and understand what’s happening in your own mouth. Our goal isn’t simply to tell you what we see—we want to help you understand it, too.
A Closer Look at Your Gum Health
One of our dental hygienists will complete a periodontal (gum) charting assessment. This measures the depth of the pockets around your teeth, evaluates bone support, and helps diagnose any signs of gum disease.
The results of your periodontal charting help determine which type of professional cleaning will best support your oral health.
A Comprehensive Exam
You’ll meet with either Dr. Grant or Dr. Stark for a thorough comprehensive exam. During this time, they’ll evaluate your overall oral health, review your X-rays, CBCT imaging, and 3-D digital scan with you, discuss any treatment that may be recommended—such as fillings or crowns—and answer any questions you have.
If you’ve been thinking about improving your smile or exploring additional services, this is also the perfect opportunity to ask about:
Professional teeth whitening
Clear aligners
Sleep studies
Facial aesthetics with EmFace and Exion
Mental wellness with ExoMind
We’re here to help you understand your options and create a treatment plan that fits your goals.
Oral Cancer Screening & Airway Assessment
Your comprehensive exam also includes an oral cancer screening and an airway assessment.
Dr. Grant is especially passionate about the connection between breathing, sleep, and overall health. If you have concerns about snoring, sleep quality, or airway health, don’t hesitate to bring them up during your visit.
Time to Talk
One thing that makes Prairie Village Dentists different is the time we dedicate to our patients. We believe great dental care starts with meaningful conversations.
You’ll never feel rushed. Our doctors take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and ensure you fully understand your oral health and any recommended treatment.
Before You Head Home
Before you leave, you’ll meet with our front desk team again to review any recommended treatment and receive an estimate of your expected costs. We’ll also help schedule your professional cleaning with one of our amazing hygienists.
Our goal is for you to leave feeling informed, confident, and excited about your dental care.
We Can’t Wait to Meet You!
Your first visit is about more than just checking your teeth—it’s about getting to know you, understanding your oral health from multiple perspectives, and helping you achieve a healthy, confident smile for years to come.
Whether you’re new to the area, looking for a new dental home, or it’s simply been a while since your last visit, we’re excited to welcome you to the Prairie Village Dentists family.
We look forward to seeing you—and so does Benny!
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