Your First Step to a Healthier Smile: Everything You Need for a Seamless Start
New Patient Information
Welcome to our amazing Green Apple Dental Family! Over the past twenty years we have worked hard to cultivate a dental practice that merges truly cutting-edge technology and advanced digital work flows with a compassionate, honest and transparent approach to every patient. We have all the state-of the-art technology, extensive experience, an upgraded learning in order to do complex and advanced dental treatments in our modern dental clinic. The Great news is that we deliver all this capability to our wonderful patients at the BC General Dentist Fee Guide. No surprises, transparent billing, and value, alongside the most modernized dental care, this is what our patients deserve.
What to Expect: New Dental Patients
We're excited to welcome you to our Green Apple Dental practice! Here's what you can expect during your first visit, ensuring you feel comfortable and informed every step of the way.
Before Your Appointment
- Complete Your Forms: To make your visit smooth, we recommend filling out our new patient forms before you arrive. These include medical history, insurance information, and any relevant dental concerns.
- Prepare Your Insurance Details: Bring your insurance card, a photo ID, and a list of any medications you're currently taking. If you're unsure about your insurance coverage, our team can help clarify it for you.
- Come with Questions: If you have any dental concerns or specific questions about treatments, jot them down so we can address them during your visit.
Upon Arrival
- Friendly Welcome: Our receptionist will greet you, confirm your paperwork, and ensure we have all the necessary information. If you haven't filled out the forms yet, you can do so in our office.
- Comfort and Amenities: Relax in our comfortable and spacious waiting area, where you can browse the free internet. We strive to keep your wait very brief!
The Dental Examination
- Comprehensive Assessment: Your first visit will likely include a thorough dental exam. Our dentist will evaluate your teeth, gums, and overall oral health. This may involve:
- A full set of digital X-rays for a clear view of your teeth and jaw structure.
- A visual examination of your teeth, gums, and soft tissues.
- Discussion of any concerns you may have, from sensitivity to cosmetic improvements.
- Professional Cleaning: In most cases, our dental hygienist will perform a gentle but thorough cleaning to remove harmful plaque and tartar, polish your teeth, and provide tips for at-home care.
Discussion of Findings and Treatment Plan
- Personalized Consultation: After the exam, the dentist will discuss their findings with you, explaining any issues such as cavities, gum health, or alignment concerns.
- Treatment Options: We'll work with you to create a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs and priorities, whether it's preventive care, restorative work, or cosmetic improvements.
- Ask Questions: This is your chance to ask questions about any recommended treatments, costs, or timelines. We'll make sure you feel confident about your dental health moving forward.
Scheduling Future Appointments
- Next Steps: If further treatment is needed, our front desk team will help you schedule follow-up appointments. We offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate your busy life.
- Payment and Insurance: We'll review your insurance coverage and payment options, ensuring there are no surprises. If you need a payment plan, we're happy to discuss those options too.
Ongoing Communication
- Stay in Touch: We're here to support your ongoing dental health. If you have any questions after your visit, don't hesitate to contact us. We are proud to be your Green Apple Dental Family.
At Green Apple Dental, we prioritize patient comfort and care. Your first visit sets the foundation for a lasting partnership in achieving your best oral health. We look forward to getting to know you!
1. What advanced technology does your clinic use?
Answer: We utilize the latest dental technologies to ensure precise, efficient, and comfortable care. This includes digital X-rays, which offer clearer images with less radiation; intraoral cameras and intraoral digital scanners for detailed views inside the mouth and the ability to make digital 3D models of your entire mouth region; CAD/CAM technology for same-day crowns; and laser dentistry for pain-free gum treatments. We have an all Sirona integrated digital office that enables seamless execution of dental treatment planning and delivery. This results in an incredibly convenient, uncompromising, and effective dental outcome for patients.
2. How do I schedule my first appointment?
Answer: Scheduling is easy! You can book your appointment online through our website's scheduling links or call our office directly. We have two convenient locations, and offer flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate your busy schedule.
3. What should I bring to my first visit?
Answer: Please bring your ID, insurance card, a list of any medications you are taking, and any previous dental records if applicable. If you've completed our new patient forms online, you're all set! Otherwise, please arrive a few minutes early to fill them out in the office.
4. Do you accept my insurance?
Answer: We accept a wide range of insurance providers. You can contact us to verify if we accept your specific plan. We'll also help you navigate your benefits to ensure you get the most out of your coverage.
5. What if I don't have insurance?
Answer: No insurance? No problem! Many people don't have insurance but still need dental treatment to stay pain free, healthy, and avoid more expensive dental needs in the future. We work to compassionately find the best way to alleviate your dental issues that is appropriate for your needs and wants. We will do our best to make your dental care affordable for you.
6. How long does a typical appointment take?
Answer: For a new patient exam, the visit typically lasts about 60-90 minutes. This includes time for a thorough dental exam, any necessary X-rays, and a discussion of your oral health and treatment options. If additional treatments are needed, we can help schedule them at your convenience.
7. Are dental X-rays safe?
Answer: Yes, dental X-rays are very safe. We use digital X-ray technology, which reduces radiation exposure by up to 90% compared to traditional X-rays. Additionally, we take all necessary precautions to protect you during the procedure. We are also able to use our additional technologies like advanced oral scanners to get accurate and detailed 3D images, or 3D CT imaging which has advanced algorithms to minimize exposure while providing very detailed images at 30 mm of tissue depth, rather than traditional 8 mm X-rays. Better images make for less frequent needed X-rays and better dental care.
8. Do you offer sedation for anxious patients?
Answer: Absolutely! We understand that dental anxiety is common. We offer sedation options, including oral sedation, to help make your visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
9. How often should I visit the dentist?
Answer: It's recommended to visit the dentist every six months for routine check-ups and cleanings. However, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits based on your individual oral health needs.
10. Do you offer same-day crowns?
Answer: Yes, we offer same-day crowns using advanced CAD/CAM technology. This means that in most cases, you can have your crown designed, fabricated, and placed in a single visit, eliminating the need for temporary crowns and a second appointment.
11. What should I do if I have a dental emergency?
Answer: If you experience a dental emergency, please call our office immediately. We offer same-day emergency appointments and after-hours services to ensure you get the care you need as soon as possible.
12. What payment options do you offer?
Answer: We accept cash, major credit cards, and most insurance plans. For more extensive treatments, we offer financing options like in-house payment plans to spread the cost over manageable monthly payments.
