In some cases, your first visit with Kneib Dentistry may be due to an acute problem, such as injury, bleeding, or severe pain. The good news is that we can get you in quickly – usually the same day! This will be a shorter exam to address your immediate problem. After your dental emergency is treated, we will find a convenient time for you to return for a full evaluation and comprehensive dental exam.
Our Comprehensive New Patient Dental Exam takes approximately one hour and consists of the following:
- Review of previous dental history
- Review of medical history
- Interview with the patient concerning past, present, and future wants and concerns regarding his/her dental condition and needed treatment
- A head and neck muscle examination
- An examination of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
- A screening examination and evaluation of the bite (screening for bruxism, excessive wear patterns on teeth, malocclusion, ect.)
- A comprehensive periodontal examination (pocket, depth, mobility, furcation involvement, recession, tissue evaluation)
- Decay detection using Diagnodent
- Evaluation of dental restorations
- Oral cancer screening with VELscope
- Dental X-rays (if needed) from Bitewings to a panorex and a series of photographs of your teeth
- An explanation of the findings along with a treatment plan
Family Dentistry FAQs
What is the Emergency Dental/Crisis Treatment?
Many people don't see a dentist on a regular basis. They go only when they feel they have a problem. At Kneib Dentistry, we call this "crisis treatment" as opposed to "preventive treatment."
While these patients may feel they are saving money, it usually ends up costing much more in both dollars and time. The reason for this is that most dental problems don't have any symptoms until they reach the advanced stages.
An example is tooth decay. At Kneib Dentistry, we hear all the time, "Nothing hurts... I don't have any problems." But tooth decay doesn't hurt! Until that is, it gets close to the nerve of the tooth.
Then a root canal and crown are usually necessary instead of the small filling, which could have been placed several years ago when the cavity was small. Dr. Kneib can usually detect a cavity 3 or 4 years before it may develop any symptoms. It is not uncommon to see a patient with a tremendous cavity and they have never felt a thing!
How can I spot dental problems?
When should my child first see a dentist?
