First Visit

Embarcadero Dentistry
WE OFFER A FULL SPECTRUM OF DENTAL SERVICES ALL UNDER ONE ROOF

Embarcadero Dentistry | San Francisco, CA

The First Dental Appointment

Thank you for choosing our office for all your dental needs. We have created a comfortable environment where you can feel confident in the level of dental care you receive. When you arrive for your first visit, please be prepared to complete all insurance and health information forms that will allow us to begin your dental treatment. We will ask you to fill out several forms that will get you acquainted with our office.

Your initial appointment will last approximately one hour. This visit will help us get acquainted with each other and learn about your goals and desires for your dental treatment. Generally, X-rays will be taken allowing your doctor to examine the jaw’s structure, teeth position and teeth decay. Oral hygiene instructions will also be provided along with suggestions to help you care for your teeth. In most cases, we will also clean your teeth on this visit and provide an evaluation that will outline your existing dental problems and proposed treatment.

We believe that good dental care begins with open communication. We promise to speak candidly with you about any symptoms present that may require further dental treatment, our diagnosis, alternative treatments that may exist, and our recommendations. Working together, we can achieve a true partnership, with one common goal – keeping your smile beautiful and your teeth, gums and jaw joints healthy!

The First Orthodontic Appointment

Your first orthodontic visit will consist of an examination and a discussion of potential treatment options. We understand that each patient’s orthodontic treatment is different, and we promise to give you the personal attention you deserve.

After we have evaluated your records, we will conduct a treatment consultation to explain all aspects of the treatment in detail. We will provide a complete clinical diagnosis regarding the nature of the problem, a written summary of the findings, and a detailed plan that outlines the treatment, goals, and estimated fees. We encourage questions, and as such, we provide ample time to answer any questions you may have.

About teeth:

Throughout your life, you will have two sets of teeth: primary (baby) teeth and secondary (permanent) teeth. The primary teeth appear around ages 6-8 months, and all 20 are in place by age 3.

Permanent teeth will begin to grow around age 6, and with the exception of wisdom teeth, are all present between ages 12 and 14. The next teeth to grow in are the 12-year molars and finally the wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth typically begin breaking through from age 17 and on. The total number of permanent teeth is 32, though few people have room for all 32 teeth, which is why wisdom teeth are usually removed.

Your front teeth are called incisors.  The sharp “fang-like” teeth are canines. The next side teeth are referred to as pre-molars or bicuspids, and the back teeth are molars. Your permanent teeth are the ones you keep for life, so it is important that they are brushed and flossed regularly and that periodic check-ups by a dentist are followed.

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