First Visit and Initial evaluation

A comprehensive evaluation is necessary to properly evaluate your oral health needs and make treatment recommendations. Our first meeting will give us the opportunity to become acquainted, so that you can learn more about us, and we can understand your overall health goals, your mouth, and your expectations from us.

Your initial appointment will begin with an in-depth review of your medical and dental history. The periodontal exam consists of a thorough evaluation to measure bone loss, loose teeth, bite, oral cancer screening, TMJ, and other signs of periodontal disease. This periodontal exam can be completed with little or no discomfort. After the exam Dr. Alvord, Dr. Rawlings and Dr. Young will explain your diagnosis, prognosis and treatment options. A written treatment proposal with fees is given to every patient and Drs. Alvord, Rawlings and Young will answer any questions you may have.

We will reserve 1 hour with Drs. Alvord, Rawlings and Young, for your initial evaluation.

Please alert the office staff if you have any medical condition that may be of concern prior to treatment (i.e. artificial heart valves and joints, rheumatic fever, etc.), or if you have been advised to pre-medicate with an antibiotic prior to dental treatment.

We do ask that fees for the initial visit and required radiographs be paid in full at the time of service. If you have dental insurance, our office will be pleased to file your dental claim. Any reimbursement due will be paid directly to you.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Savannah office at Savannah Office Phone Number 912-352-2021, our Statesboro office at 912-764-2196, or email us at [email protected].

Radiographs (X-rays)

If your dentist has taken x-rays, you may request that they forward them to our office. If additional images are necessary, they will be taken at our facility. We are equipped to accept digital radiographs by email.

Drs. Alvord, Rawlings and Young only take radiographs when essential to diagnose periodontal problems. Generally, a full series of radiographs is exposed every 2 – 4 years, unless a patient’s disease requires more frequent studies. Radiographic studies are important to disease diagnosis, because they allow Drs. Alvord, Rawlings and Young, and your referring dentist, to see conditions that are not evident upon visual examination. When radiographs are taken in our office, we share these with your referring dentist to reduce your exposure to X-rays. Additionally, we utilize digital radiography which reduces radiation exposure up to 90% less than traditional X-rays. Drs. Alvord, Rawlings and Young will not routinely take bite-wing (cavity detecting) radiographs. This will be done by your referring dentist.