What to Expect at Your First Visit
What to Expect at Your First Visit
At your first visit, we take a medical history, carry out an examination, make a diagnosis, and explain your treatment plan, to give you an accurate understanding of your oral health.
We value communication with our patients. Before starting treatment, we take the time to listen to you and propose a treatment plan that matches your wishes. If anything is unclear or worries you, no matter how small, just ask.
1. Reception & Filling Out the Medical Questionnaire
Checking In at Reception
When you arrive, please come to the reception desk first. Show your health insurance card and let us know it’s your first visit. Our reception staff will guide you through the process. You can also use your My Number Card as your health insurance card.
Filling Out the Medical Questionnaire
You will fill out a medical questionnaire in the waiting room. Please include the following information.
- Current symptoms (pain, swelling, bleeding, etc.)
- When the symptoms started
- What treatment you would like
- Past dental treatment history
- Your general health (any existing conditions, medications you are taking, etc.)
- Any allergies
- Whether you are pregnant
A Chinese-speaking interpreter is on staff, so you can fill out the form and be assisted in Chinese. If you’re not confident in Japanese, just let us know.
2. Counseling
You’ll be shown into the treatment room for a counseling session based on your questionnaire. Please tell us in detail about your current symptoms and what treatment you would like.
If you have any worries or questions about treatment, such as being afraid of pain, worried about cost, or concerned about how long treatment will take, please tell us. We will take the time to answer and ease your concerns as much as we can.
3. Examination
To obtain an accurate picture of your oral health, we carry out the following examinations.
Digital X-Ray Imaging
We check for cavities, the condition of the tooth roots, and the state of the bone. Digital X-rays involve only about one-tenth the radiation exposure of conventional film X-rays, and the image can be checked as soon as it is taken.
Intraoral Photography
We record the condition inside your mouth. You can see clear images of back teeth and the backs of teeth that you can’t see yourself. This also makes before-and-after changes easy to see, so you can appreciate the effect of your treatment.
Periodontal Examination
We measure the depth of your periodontal pockets to check how far periodontal disease has progressed. We also check the condition of your gums, whether there is any bleeding, and how much your teeth move.
Dental CT Scan (If Needed)
If a more detailed examination is needed, such as for wisdom tooth extraction, implant treatment or root canal treatment, we take a dental CT scan. This lets us check the condition of the bone and the position of nerves in three dimensions, so we can build a safer, more reliable treatment plan.
If you have urgent symptoms such as pain or swelling, we give emergency care first. Relieving your pain is our top priority. In some cases, the examination is done once your symptoms have settled down.
4. Explanation of the Diagnosis
Based on the examination results, we explain the current condition of your mouth in an easy-to-understand way. We display your X-rays and intraoral photos on the monitor by the treatment chair, and explain things visually so it’s easy to follow.
If anything in our explanation is unclear, just ask. Making sure you understand your condition is the first step toward receiving treatment without worry.
5. Proposed Treatment Plan
Based on the examination results and diagnosis, we propose a treatment plan. We explain in detail what treatment is needed, the approximate length of treatment and number of visits, and the cost. When more than one treatment method is available, we explain the advantages and disadvantages of each, and work with you to find the method that suits you best.
We also explain the difference between insurance-covered and self-pay treatment. If you have any concerns about cost, just ask. Dental loans are also available. Once you’re satisfied with the treatment plan, we begin treatment.
6. Emergency Care & Start of Treatment
On the day of your first visit, we respond to your symptoms as appropriate. If you have pain or swelling, we provide emergency care, and relieving your pain is our top priority. We prescribe painkillers or antibiotics as needed.
7. Booking Your Next Appointment
Once payment is complete, we book your next appointment. We explain what we’ll do at your next visit and how long it will take, in line with your treatment plan.
So You Can Receive Treatment Without Worry
At 歯科ハミール高田88, we aim for thorough counseling and clear explanations so first-time patients can feel at ease with their treatment.
At your first visit, we take the time to listen and examine the condition of your mouth in detail. Treatment begins only once you are satisfied.
If anything is unclear or worries you, no matter how small, just ask. Our entire staff looks forward to welcoming you.