Visiting a new dentist can feel a little uncertain, especially if it’s been a while since your last appointment or if you’ve had less-than-great experiences elsewhere. At Taylor Made Dental in Boardman, OH, we want to take the mystery out of your first visit so you know exactly what to expect when you walk through our doors.
Before You Arrive
When you schedule your first appointment by calling (330) 758-0505, our front desk team will walk you through a few simple steps to make your visit as smooth as possible. We’ll ask you to arrive about 15 minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork. Bring your dental insurance card (if you have coverage), a photo ID, and a list of any medications you’re currently taking. If you have recent dental X-rays from a previous provider, we’re happy to request those records to avoid unnecessary duplication.
If you have specific dental concerns, anxiety about dental work, or medical conditions we should be aware of, jot them down so you don’t forget to mention them. We’d rather know too much than too little.
Your Comprehensive Exam
Your first visit centers around a thorough evaluation of your overall oral health. Dr. Jeremy Taylor will personally examine your teeth, gums, jaw, bite, and the soft tissues of your mouth. This isn’t a rushed five-minute glance—it’s a genuine, comprehensive assessment. We typically take a full set of digital X-rays on your first visit, which allow us to see what’s happening beneath the surface: the condition of your roots and jawbone, any hidden decay between teeth, and the status of existing dental work like fillings and crowns.
We also perform an oral cancer screening as part of every new patient exam. This is a quick, painless visual and tactile examination of the soft tissues in your mouth, throat, and neck. Early detection of oral cancer dramatically improves outcomes, and this screening is one of the most important things we do.
A Conversation, Not a Lecture
After the exam, Dr. Taylor will sit down with you and explain his findings in plain language. He’ll show you your X-rays, point out anything that needs attention, and answer all your questions. If treatment is needed, he’ll explain your options—including doing nothing, if that’s reasonable—along with approximate costs and timelines.
This is a two-way conversation. We want to hear about your goals for your dental health. Are you looking to simply maintain what you have? Do you want to improve your smile cosmetically? Are you dealing with pain or discomfort? Your priorities guide the treatment plan we develop together.
Your First Cleaning
Depending on the state of your oral health, we may perform a cleaning at your first visit or schedule it for a follow-up appointment. If your gums are healthy and there’s no significant buildup, a standard prophylactic cleaning is typically done the same day. If we find signs of gum disease or heavy tartar accumulation, we may recommend a more thorough deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) that’s best addressed at a dedicated appointment to give us the time to do it right.
No Judgment, No Pressure
Here’s something important: no matter how long it’s been since your last dental visit, you will not be judged at Taylor Made Dental. Whether it’s been six months or six years, our only concern is where you are now and how we can help you move forward. We’ve seen it all, and we are genuinely just happy you’re here.
Similarly, we will never pressure you into treatment you’re not comfortable with or ready for. Our job is to give you the information and options you need to make good decisions about your own health. Your job is to decide what’s right for you.
Welcome to the Taylor Made Dental Family
We’re always accepting new patients at our Boardman office at 8430 Market Street, and we’d love to welcome you. Call (330) 758-0505 to schedule your first visit, and come see why our patients say things like “my first visit made me a lifetime customer.” We think you’ll feel the same way.