What to Expect

At Lotus Dental Wellness, we embrace a holistic approach that considers the interconnectedness of the mouth and the entire body. During your initial visit, you will undergo a comprehensive new patient exam. This appointment is an opportunity for us to learn about your overall health, as well as discuss your personal goals and concerns, ensuring that we tailor our care to your unique needs.

Once you arrive you will be greeted by our friendly front office professionals. Once you are ready, one of our skilled dental assistants will bring you back to your room. Your Dental Assistant will gather the information needed for your comprehensive exam. They will be taking a CBCT, Intraoral Photographs, and Dental X-rays and gathering any concerns you have. Once the information is collected the doctor will review your CBCT, photos, and X-rays. We will begin with an interview about what brings you into our office followed by reviewing your CBCT, x-rays, and pictures with you. The doctor will begin a comprehensive oral exam and oral cancer exam. They will tell the dental assistant about existing treatments and any findings. After all information has been gathered a personalized treatment plan will be put together just for you. The doctor will discuss the proposed treatment plan with you and this is a great time to ask any questions you may have. Your dental assistant will review your treatment plan and help schedule you for any treatment you may need. In some cases, some treatment plans may need more extensive planning from your doctor and you will be invited back once your treatment plan is completed. We look forward to assisting you in your healing journey.

We kindly ask that you complete your new patient forms at least 24 hours before your first visit. We're excited to welcome you and want to ensure everything is ready for your appointment!

Dental X-Rays

Dental X-rays are crucial for diagnosing hidden dental issues that are not visible during a routine examination. They help identify cavities, gum disease, and other conditions early, enabling proactive treatment and effective planning for dental procedures.

Benefits of Digital X-Rays

• Lower Radiation Exposure: Up to 90% less radiation compared to traditional film X-rays.

• Immediate Results: Instant viewing of images allows for quicker diagnosis and treatment decisions.

• Enhanced Image Quality: Superior clarity and detail facilitate accurate detection of dental problems.

• Environmentally Friendly: No need for chemical processing, reducing environmental impact.

In summary, dental X-rays are essential for oral health, and digital X-rays significantly improve safety, efficiency, and diagnostic accuracy.

CBCT

This diagnostic tool allows a three-dimensional view of any structure in and around the mouth. It helps diagnose infections, impactions, fractured teeth, and other pathologies. It can also be very useful in confirming a state of health, and the absence of significant disease. All implant, bone-grafting, and wisdom tooth removal surgeries in our office are planned with this technology which increases safety and aids in achieving a successful and healthy result.

All CBCTs taken are sent for additional review from a group of radiologists. We receive a detailed report of your findings. If there is anything concerning, we will call you with the results. This is a great added protection.

Intraoral Photographs

Intraoral photos enhance diagnosis, treatment planning, patient education, and documentation, ultimately improving oral health outcomes.

• Enhanced Diagnosis: Provide clear images of teeth and gums, revealing issues not visible during exams, and aiding accurate diagnoses.

• Improved Treatment Planning: Assist in assessing oral health and planning effective treatments by tracking changes over time.

• Patient Education: Help patients visualize their dental issues, improving understanding and encouraging compliance with treatment recommendations.

• Efficient Documentation: Serve as reliable visual records of a patient’s oral health, easily stored in digital files for future reference.

Comprehensive Oral Examination

Comprehensive dental exams are essential for maintaining optimal oral health and preventing serious dental issues. Here’s a concise summary of their importance:

Importance of Comprehensive Dental Exams

Early Detection of Problems: These exams allow dentists to identify issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer at their earliest stages, making treatment easier and more effective.

Preventive Care: By recognizing potential problems early, dentists can develop preventive treatment plans, such as cleanings or fluoride treatments, to avoid more extensive procedures later.

Personalized Treatment Plans: Comprehensive exams provide a holistic view of your oral health, enabling dentists to create tailored treatment plans that address your specific needs.

Thorough Evaluation: These exams include a detailed assessment of your teeth, gums, and overall oral structures, often utilizing X-rays for a complete understanding of your oral health.

Overall Health Monitoring: Many systemic health issues can manifest in the mouth; comprehensive exams help detect signs of conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease early on.

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer screening is a crucial examination performed by dentists to detect signs of mouth cancer or precancerous lesions. Here’s a concise summary of its importance:

Importance of Oral Cancer Screening

Early Detection: Screening helps identify oral cancer at its earliest stages when it is most treatable. Early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and survival.

Risk Assessment: Regular screenings allow dentists to evaluate risk factors, such as tobacco and alcohol use, which can help tailor preventive strategies for high-risk patients.

Comprehensive Evaluation: The screening involves a thorough examination of the mouth, throat, and neck for any abnormalities, ensuring a complete assessment of oral health.

Patient Education: Screenings provide an opportunity for dentists to educate patients about oral cancer risks and encourage self-examinations, promoting proactive health management.

Peace of Mind: Knowing that you are free from precancerous cells can alleviate anxiety and contribute to overall well-being.