What to Expect at Your First Visit
A step-by-step look at a first appointment in Olathe, from the paperwork to your treatment plan.
Most people feel better about a dental visit when they know what is coming. This page walks through how a first appointment at Your Olathe Dentist usually goes, what to bring, and how the $49 new patient exam and X-rays offer works.
Before You Arrive
The new patient forms are a PDF you can fill out at home and bring with you. If that is not convenient, plan to arrive 15 minutes early and complete them in the office.
Bring your insurance card and a list of the medications and supplements you take. Some health conditions and medicines affect dental care, so this list helps Dr. Tony plan treatment that is safe for you. If you have dental insurance, our front desk can check your coverage before the visit.
Digital X-Rays and a Full Exam
Most first visits start with a full set of digital X-rays. They show what an exam alone cannot, such as decay between teeth, problems under old fillings, and the bone that supports your teeth.
Dr. Tony then examines your teeth, gums, bite and the soft tissues of your mouth, including an oral cancer screening. It is a good time to mention anything that has been bothering you, even if it seems small, so nothing gets missed.
A Cleaning, When It Makes Sense
For many new patients, a hygienist cleans and polishes the teeth at the first visit or at a follow-up appointment soon after. The hygienist removes plaque and tartar and checks your gums for any signs of gum disease.
If your gums need more than a routine cleaning, we will explain why and what the options are before anything is scheduled. Either way, you will leave with brushing and flossing tips that fit your mouth, and a clear idea of when to come back.
Your Treatment Plan
Once the exam is done, Dr. Tony sits down with you to go over what he found. You will see your X-rays, hear what looks healthy, and learn about anything that needs attention.
If treatment is needed, it is put in order of priority: what should be handled soon, what can be planned for later, and what is simply worth watching. That way you can work through care at a pace and budget that make sense for you.
Nothing is scheduled until you understand the plan and have had a chance to ask questions. If you want time to think it over or check your benefits first, that is completely fine.
The new patients page has the forms and more details.
Insurance and the $49 Offer
Your Olathe Dentist is in network with more than 20 dental plans, including Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Guardian, Humana and Blue Cross Blue Shield, and we file claims electronically for you. Coverage depends on your individual plan, so call ahead and we can help you understand your benefits.
If you do not have insurance, the $49 new patient exam and X-rays special is an easy way to get started. We also accept CareCredit financing (subject to approval) and offer the Premier Care Plan, an in-office plan for patients without insurance. Call the office for details.
If You Feel Nervous
Plenty of patients tell us they were anxious before their first visit, and that is normal. If it has been years since you saw a dentist, there is no need to apologize. Long gaps are common, and the goal is simply to see where things stand.
Let the front desk know you are nervous when you book. You can ask us to explain each step before it happens, take a break when you need one, or bring headphones and listen to something you like.
Call (913) 780-0011 and tell us a little about what worries you. It helps us plan a calmer visit.
Book Your First Visit
New to Your Olathe Dentist? Ask about the $49 new patient exam and X-rays when you call.