First Dental Visit

Your initial appointment with HARBORSIDE DENTAL is designed to be a helpful and informative guide to assist you in making wise decisions to obtain the very highest level of dental health that is appropriate for you. We see each patient in our office as a unique individual. We start with a Comprehensive Exam, including a complete set of x-rays, intra-oral photos, and a complete review of your medical and dental histories to help provide you with a full picture of your dental health. This first visit we will discover together the aspects of your oral health and appearance that can be improved. We will discuss your past dental experiences and what you want for yourself. Hearing about your concerns and opinions will enable our dental team to help you achieve the results you want. It provides important information regarding the condition of your teeth and existing dentistry, the health of your bite, jaw joint, facial muscles, and gum tissues, as well as an oral cancer preventative screening.

All of this information is reviewed by Dr. Kozelko, who then puts together a Master Plan. You are invited back after your first visit for a Complimentary Consultation to review your Master Plan and come up with options to best proceed with treatment that meets your goals and objectives. Our goal is to provide the information you need so you can make the best decisions for your health while enjoying your life pain and emergency free!

Our Patient Care Coordinators are here to assist you!

New Patient Options

PAIN:

We understand the stress and discomfort that comes with dental pain. We are committed to helping you receive appropriate and timely care. If you are experiencing a dental emergency or a pain situation we will do our very best to accommodate you the same day you call to help relieve you of pain. In a true dental emergency such as severe swelling or a traumatic injury you will be seen immediately.

ADULTS:

In dentistry, the old adage "if it isn't broke don't fix it" often means more costly and complicated dentistry and sometimes results in tooth loss. We don't want that for you, so we highly recommend the Complete Exam (details above). We appreciate that many people are new to our area or are coming from another office and have had regular, consistent, and quality care. Many patients call for "just a cleaning" since they are not aware of or are not experiencing current dental problems. Many times we are able to coordinate your Complimentary Consultation with your cleaning and keep you on your regular schedule. There are a few exceptions and our Patient Care Coordinators are available to help you reserve the appropriate appointment for you.

KIDS/TEENS:

We are delighted to see kids and teens for their initial visit in our Hygiene Department. We care about keeping your children in top health and we do everything possible to make their appointments enjoyable and pain free. Most of our pediatric patients look forward to visiting the office. We care so much about preventing future problems that we offer an incentive program: "Kaptain K's No Cavity Kid's Club", this is a club where your cavity-free child (up to age 14) can win a $25 Gift Card.

MEDICAL ALERTS:

Please alert the office if you have a medical condition that may be of concern prior to your appointment (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves, joint replacement, rheumatic fever, etc.) or if you are on any medication (i.e. heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, etc.) or require medication prior to dental cleanings (i.e. antibiotics, for pre-med.)

X-RAYS:

If your previous dentist has taken recent x-rays (within 6-months), or a full series of x-rays within the last 5 years, you may request that they forward them to our office.