If you’ve been looking for a new dentist in Great Falls, Montana, you’ve come to the right place. At Stephen J. Spencer, DDS, we know what goes into creating a dental home that patients will love. And it goes far beyond offering a professional dental cleaning that leaves your smile feeling clean and fresh.

What’s the secret to a great dentist? It’s all about comprehensive dental care. In this article, we’ll tell you just what that means.

What is comprehensive dental care? 

When you visit the dentist, you want to know that the dental team is doing more than just looking at your teeth, scraping away some plaque, and sending you on your way. You want a team that looks at everything that goes into your oral health—gum disease prevention, cavity prevention, and additional services, such as cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry. 

And it all starts with a thorough first dental visit focused on getting to know you as a person and assessing the health of your overall smile. Here’s what you can expect when you make your first appointment with Stephen J. Spencer, DDS. 

Initial Consultation

Your first visit to our practice begins with a warm and welcoming consultation. The dental team will take time to listen to your concerns and discuss your oral health goals. Whether you’re focused on preventive care or exploring cosmetic or restorative options, this consultation helps us understand what you need. 

By learning more about your lifestyle and preferences, we can tailor the care we provide to suit you. This initial step is all about making sure you feel comfortable and confident about the care you’ll receive during your time with us.

Review of Your Medical and Dental History

A detailed review of your medical and dental history is conducted to deliver personalized care. This step allows the dental team to understand any past issues you’ve experienced, such as previous treatments, medications you may be taking, and any health conditions that could affect your oral care. 

Your dental history gives insights into patterns or problems you’ve encountered before, while your medical history makes sure we make safe and informed decisions regarding your treatment. The goal is to have a complete picture to provide the best possible care for your oral health and to help you achieve your smile goals.

Discussion About Any Concerns or Goals for Your Oral Health

At our practice, we value open and honest communication. During your first visit, you’ll have the opportunity to talk about any dental concerns or health goals you have. You can ask about proper dental hygiene at home, or maybe you’re dealing with sensitivity, or perhaps you’re considering improving your smile with cosmetic treatments. 

Whatever the case, this discussion allows the dentist to focus on what’s most important to you. It also helps set expectations for future visits, so we know where we might need to place some incremental focus.

Dental Evaluation

A thorough dental evaluation is an integral part of your first visit. This step involves a close look at your teeth, gums, and the overall health of your oral cavity. Dr. Spencer will do a thorough dental evaluation to look for any signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or other potential problems. 

Dental X-Rays 

Dental X-rays are often recommended during your first visit. These images allow the dentist to see beneath the surface, identifying hidden cavities, bone loss, or any issues that can’t be spotted with a visual evaluation alone. The X-rays help in assessing the structure of your teeth and gums, prioritizing that nothing important is missed. 

Professional Dental Cleaning

A professional cleaning is another important aspect of your first visit, and it’s something we’ll do when you visit us every six months. During this process, plaque and tartar that have built up on your teeth are carefully removed, especially in hard-to-reach areas. 

This helps prevent cavities and gum disease, leaving your teeth feeling polished and refreshed. The dental hygienist will also share helpful tips for brushing and flossing as well, so that you can keep your smile as clean and fresh as possible between visits.

Personalized Treatment Plan

After the evaluation, X-rays, and cleaning, we will review the findings and discuss any recommended treatments. Whether you need restorative care, cosmetic enhancements, or ongoing preventive services, you’ll receive a clear, step-by-step outline of what’s next. This personalized treatment plan is designed to help you maintain or improve your oral health based on our findings.

Request your next dental visit with the best dentist in Great Falls, Montana.

We’re proud to have created an excellent dental practice that we believe you’ll want to make your dental home. At Stephen J. Spencer, DDS, you’re not just a number; and you’re more than just a patient. You’re a person with interests of your own and your very own unique smile. And it is our goal to help you discover and bring out the very best smile in you.

To get started, please complete our new patient form and request your first appointment. We look forward to meeting you and seeing your smile.