Initial Exam:
On the first appointment, you will be supplied with all the documentation necessary for Dr. Mercado and his staff to see you (Insurance Coverage, Medical History, HIPPA form, and Dental Treatment consent).
Then the assistant will take a full set of x-rays for adults. Normally composed of 14 periapical films and 4 bitewings; depending on the number of teeth in the patient’s mouth. In some cases, a Panoramic film has to be taken to identify pathologies, find anatomical landmarks/references,s or find the positioning of the teeth. For kids when they have primary teeth, the assistant will take at least 4 Xrays: 2 periapical and 2 bitewings. In some cases, additional periapical films will have to be taken or even a Panoramic film to be able to identify pathologies, find anatomical landmarks/references or find the positioning of the teeth.
Intraoral digital pictures will be taken. All of this is meant to aid in the diagnoses, insurance filing, and patient education.
Dr. Mercado will then present himself and start his full evaluation based on the X-rays and clinical findings. A comprehensive treatment plan will be done, discussed, and explained to you.
If you have any questions regarding your treatment fill free to ask questions, we will be glad to answer them.
Unfortunately, sometimes Dr. Mercado or the hygienist will not be able to do your cleaning at the initial visit due to scheduling, however, we will always try to arrange your cleaning on the same day for your convenience.
Periodic Examination:
Periodic exams are done every year to date, from the date of the initial oral exam. It is designed to update the patient’s medical history, treatment plan and follow-up on dental care.
During your recall or periodontal maintenance appointment you will be given a medical history update when needed.
If you are not due and there is a change in your medical history, inform us as soon as possible, so we can update your medical history.
At least 4 X-rays (bitewings) will be taken. In the event that there is a medical need, complaint, or discomfort, additional X-ray(s) may be taken of a specific area.
Then your cleaning or periodontal maintenance will be completed. It is strongly suggested to do fluoride at the appointment in both children and adults to prevent decay.
Oral hygiene instructions will be reviewed.
Dr. Mercado will then do his examination and if there’s any treatment pending or needed, you will be informed and discussed the nature of it.
If you have any questions regarding your treatment fill free to ask questions, we will be glad to answer them.
Limited Oral Exams:
Limited exams are done whenever the patient has just one dental problem that they which to address and hopefully resolve in the same appointment.
The assistant will ask you what is your chief concern and reason for the appointment, and then take a radiograph of the tooth in question.
Dr. Mercado will then do his examination and then treatment will be presented and explained to you based on the problem.
