Comfortable Beginnings: Your First Dental Visit

Making the First Visit Easy

FAMILY DENTAL SERVICES

1185 Cave Springs Estates Drive, St. Peters, MO 63376

Our office hours are:

Monday: 6:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday: 6:00 am - 7:00 pm
Wednesday: 6:00 am - 3:00 pm
Thursday: 6:00 am - 8:00 pm
Friday: 6:00 am - 2:00 pm
Saturday: Appointment Only
Sunday: Closed

We are members of the ADA-American Dental Association and the American Academy of Dental Group Practice. The office is privately (not corporately) owned by the Dentists who work in the office regularly.

Your First Visit to Family Dental Services

Children - What to Expect

The initial exam visit for children will usually be done by a Pediatric Dentist and will give you and your child an opportunity to meet the doctor. In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears or no later than his/her first birthday. Since each dental visit is extremely important, the parent will always accompany the child to the examination room and remain with the child the entire time.

Evaluation of past medical and dental problems which may affect dental treatment.
Clinical examination of teeth and soft tissue.
Diagnostic X-rays were taken as necessary. (At that time, we can begin to assess permanent development and evaluate the occlusion or positioning of the teeth.) The need for braces, if indicated, will be discussed.
Treatment planning according to x-ray findings and patient needs.
Treatment scheduling. Usually, the first visit scheduled for a child is an exam, prophylaxis (cleaning), and fluoride treatment, depending on the age and treatment needed. We can instruct the child in brushing and flossing without the child being apprehensive. We would like this visit to be a pleasant educational experience.

Adults - What to Expect:

Most initial examinations are completed by a General Dentist, who is assisted by a Dental Hygienist. Since our practice has many different specialties as well as general practice, this enables us to coordinate treatment according to your dental needs. After the initial exam, all adult patients are appointed a primary care general practitioner. Patients will continue to see their primary care doctors unless treatment requires a specialist or a patient requests a change. At the initial exam, you may expect the following procedures to be performed:

Blood pressure is taken on all patients over the age of 18.
Evaluation of past medical and dental problems which may affect dental treatment.
Visual examination of the oral cavity.
Oral cancer screening.
Necessary x-rays (patient will be informed of the type of x-ray and diagnostic benefit as determined by the examining doctor).
Treatment planning according to x-ray findings and patient needs.
Treatment scheduling. Usually, the first treatment scheduled for an adult is prophylaxis (cleaning).
After the removal of all plaque and tarter, the dentist can proceed with the necessary restorative procedures.

Financial information and planning, including help in the assessment of insurance benefits, will be provided by our front office staff. A parent or legal guardian must accompany a minor child for appointments with no exceptions. You can print the health history form below and bring the completed form to the office for your appointment. A valid state or government-issued photo ID will be required. Bring your dental insurance card and plan information, if applicable. You must know your insurance coverage and benefit information for x-rays, deductibles, and co-pays. If you do not have this, you can go online, print the information out, and bring it with you to the office. Co-payments, deductibles, and any fees that will be reimbursed to the patient are expected to be paid at the time of service. The office offers a zero-interest financing option available to those who qualify through Care Credit. If you have any recent dental x-rays at another office, please request that they get sent and arrive at our office before your appointment, the can be sent to the following email: records@familydentalservices.net.