Dental health
Your First Visit to Janzen Dental: What to Expect
From the forms you fill out to the exam with Dr. Laine or Dr. Scott, here is how a first appointment works, step by step.
By the Janzen Dental team 4 min read
Starting with a new dentist can feel like a big step, especially if it has been a while since your last checkup. At Janzen Dental, your first visit is all about you: your comfort, your happiness, and your health. Knowing what happens ahead of time makes the visit easier, so here is a clear walkthrough of a first appointment at our north Fresno office.
Before you arrive
A little preparation makes check-in quick and gives the doctor what they need to care for you.
Fill out your patient information form
Please complete the patient information form before your first appointment. You can find details on our patient forms page, or call our front office at (559) 431-5544 if you need a copy.
Bring your insurance card
Our practice accepts most major credit cards and insurance plans, as well as CareCredit. Bring your insurance card so our staff can help with claims and paperwork. Our financial information page explains how we work with your insurance provider to make sure your coverage meets your needs and your budget.
Plan your time
We understand you have a busy schedule. Appointments can last between 45 and 90 minutes, so plan accordingly. We are open from 7 AM to 7 PM Monday through Thursday and from 7 AM to 1 PM on Friday, which gives you options before work, after school or later in the day.
What happens during your first appointment
Every patient is different, but most first visits follow the same basic path.
1. A review of your history and X-rays
We start by reviewing your dental and medical history forms. This tells us about past treatment, medications and anything that could affect your care. Then we take X-rays of your teeth and mouth, which let the doctor see what cannot be seen during a visual exam.
2. A hygienist evaluation and cleaning
One of our hygienists evaluates your teeth and gums, looking for signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease. In most cases, the hygienist will also clean and polish your teeth at this visit. Patients with more advanced gum disease may need multiple cleaning appointments, and we will explain why if that applies to you.
Our hygiene team includes registered dental hygienists who have been with the practice for many years. You can meet the team before you come in.
3. An exam with Dr. Laine or Dr. Scott
Next, Dr. Laine Janzen or Dr. Scott Janzen meets with you to discuss your X-rays, check your teeth for cavities, perform an oral cancer screening, and evaluate your overall oral health. This is a good time to bring up anything that has been bothering you, from sensitivity to a chipped tooth to how your smile looks.
4. Your treatment plan
Finally, we help you create your individual treatment plan. We will never recommend a treatment you don’t need, and we will always offer a range of care options. Rather than dictate a certain approach, we work with you to develop a plan that is comfortable and efficient. We discuss the cost of treatment and your payment options with you before you begin, so you can make the best choice for yourself.
If you feel nervous about the dentist
We understand that you or your child may feel anxious about visiting the dentist. We are sensitive to your needs, and our goal is to make you feel comfortable while we provide the best possible care. If something worries you, tell us at the start of your visit. Knowing what to expect at each step, as you do now, often helps too.
Bringing your children
Our office is family-friendly, and we see kids as well as adults. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist by their first birthday. For young children, we use pleasant, non-frightening, simple words to describe each treatment so the visit feels relaxed. Our pediatric dentistry page covers teething, brushing and what we recommend at each stage.
After your first visit: staying on track
The American Dental Association recommends a visit to your dentist every six months for regular checkups and routine teeth cleanings. During each regular exam and cleaning we check for problems you may not see or feel, look for signs of decay, inspect your gums, and remove tartar and plaque that have built up.
Between visits, the basics matter most: brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss at least once a day, eat a balanced diet, and avoid tobacco. Our preventive care page has more simple ways to protect your smile, and our dental FAQs answer common questions about brushing, cavities and fillings.
How to choose the right dentist
Choosing a dentist who “clicks” with you and your family is important. During your first visit, consider whether the appointment schedule is convenient, whether the office is easy to get to, whether it is clean and orderly, and whether the dentist explains techniques for good oral health and presents cost information before treatment is scheduled. Both of our doctors are members of the American Dental Association.
If you are coming from outside Fresno, our pages for Clovis, Madera and Sanger and Fowler include drive times and directions to our Fresno office.
Ready to schedule?
Everyone at Janzen Dental looks forward to meeting you and your family. Request an appointment or call (559) 431-5544, and our front desk will find a time that works for you.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a first dental visit take?
Appointments at Janzen Dental can last between 45 and 90 minutes. A regular exam with a detailed cleaning takes about 45 minutes. Plan a little extra time for your first visit so there is room for questions.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring your completed patient information form and your insurance card. We review your dental and medical history forms at the start of the visit.
Will I get a cleaning at my first visit?
In most cases, yes. One of our hygienists evaluates your teeth and gums and usually cleans and polishes your teeth at the first visit. Patients with more advanced gum disease may need more than one cleaning appointment.
Do you accept insurance?
Our practice accepts most major credit cards and insurance plans, as well as CareCredit. Our office staff is available to help with insurance claims and paperwork, and we discuss the cost of treatment before you begin.
When should my child have their first dental visit?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children see a dentist by their first birthday, as early as six months of age and no later than one year.