Choosing a new dentist can feel like a big step, especially if you have a complex health history, significant dental needs, or questions that haven't been fully answered at past visits.
At Atlanta Dental Wellness, your first appointment is a chance to talk through what matters to you, understand your current oral health, and consider appropriate next steps. We'll review your health history and concerns before making recommendations. You can ask questions, discuss your preferences, and take time to consider your options.
Before Your First Visit
A little preparation can help us make the most of your appointment:
Complete your health history, including medications, supplements, relevant health conditions, and past reactions to dental materials.
Tell us about fragrance or chemical sensitivities when you schedule, so our team can discuss what may be accommodated.
Bring recent dental X-rays, if available, along with any relevant records or notes you want the dentist to review.
Write down questions or concerns you want to cover. These might include dental materials, X-rays, a previous treatment recommendation, or a tooth that has been bothering you.
You don't need to have everything figured out before you come in. Let us know what you're concerned about, and we can take it from there.
What Happens at Your First Visit
A conversation about your health and priorities. We'll review your health history, concerns, sensitivities, past dental experiences, and goals for your care.
A thorough dental examination. The dentist will assess your teeth, gums, bite, existing dental work, and the soft tissues of your mouth.
Imaging when it's appropriate. X-rays are recommended based on your dental history, current findings, symptoms, and treatment needs. If you have recent images rom another office, we may be able to review them. We'll explain why imaging is recommended and how it may help with your care.
An explanation of the findings. We'll discuss what we see and answer your questions. If we recommend treatment, we'll explain the reason and review appropriate options.
A plan you can consider. When treatment is recommended, we'll discuss timing, next steps, and an estimate. You'll have time to consider the plan and decide how you'd like to proceed.
The first visit is for evaluation and planning. Treatment is scheduled separately. For example, amalgam removal using the SMART protocol is not performed during the initial evaluation.
Care That Takes Your Concerns Seriously
Patients come to us with different histories, priorities, and questions. You may be looking for a dentist who will take time to understand your health background, explain recommendations clearly, and respect your preferences.
At Atlanta Dental Wellness, we consider your health history, sensitivities, dental findings, and goals when discussing care. We'll explain what we recommend and why, and we welcome questions along the way. Our focus is dental evaluation and treatment; we don't assume that a dental finding explains every health concern.
If you have questions about a root canal recommendation, tell us. We can review what we find, discuss your questions, and explain when a referral may be appropriate. Root canal treatment is referred to trusted providers when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Your First Visit
What should I expect when visiting a biological dentist?
Expect a conversation about your health history, concerns, sensitivities, and goals, followed by an examination and imaging when appropriate. The dentist will explain the findings and discuss options based on your individual needs.
I have a long or complicated medical history. Should I share it?
Yes. Your health history, medications, supplements, sensitivities, and past reactions to dental materials can help inform the dental-care discussion. Bring any relevant records or questions you'd like the dentist to consider.
Do I need X-rays at my first appointment?
Not necessarily. X-rays are recommended based on your dental history, current findings, symptoms, and treatment needs. If you have recent images from another dental office, we may be able to review them. We'll explain the reason for any images we recommend.
Can we talk about root canal concerns?
Yes. Tell us what you're concerned about and what you've been told so far. The dentist can review the findings, answer questions about your dental health, and discuss whether referral to a trusted provider is appropriate.
Will treatment be done at my first visit?
The first visit is generally for evaluation and planning. If treatment is recommended, we'll explain the options and schedule the appropriate next appointment. Amalgam removal using the SMART protocol is scheduled separately.
How long should I plan for my first visit?
The first appointment may take longer than a routine checkup because we set aside time to review your health history, examine your oral health, and discuss your questions. Call our office at (404) 233-1102 and our team can tell you how much time to plan for.
Can the office accommodate fragrance or chemical sensitivities?
Atlanta Dental Wellness is a fragrance-free practice and asks patients and team members to avoid scented products. Please tell us about your sensitivities before your appointment so our team can discuss your needs and what may be accommodated.
Start With a Conversation
If you're looking for a dentist who will take time to understand your concerns and explain your options, we'd be glad to meet you. Your first visit is a chance to share what matters to you, learn about your dental health, and discuss possible next steps.
Request an appointment with Atlanta Dental Wellness in Atlanta.
Call: (404) 233-1102
Email: care@atldentalwellness.com
Address: 3525 Piedmont Rd NE, Building 5, Suite 408, Atlanta, GA 30305
About Dr. Cale Jackson
Dr. Cale Jackson, DMD, practices preventive and biological dentistry at Atlanta Dental Wellness. His interest in dental-material biocompatibility grew from his own experience with allergic reactions, and he brings that perspective to individualized patient care.
