What to Expect from Your First Dental Visit

Dentist Lewisville

Table of Contents

What to Expect from Your First Dental Visit

Visiting a new dental office can feel overwhelming, especially if you haven’t seen a dentist in a while or if dental visits make you anxious. At Manchego Dental in Lewisville, we understand these concerns. If you’re searching for a trusted dentist in Lewisville, Dr. Joel Manchego and our caring team are dedicated to ensuring every new dental patient feels at ease and informed when they walk through our doors.

Preparing for Your Visit

What to Bring

On the day of your appointment, make sure you have:

  • A valid photo ID
  • List of medications or relevant medical information

Having these items ready helps us process your paperwork efficiently and provides our team with important background for your first examination.

Arrival Time

Arrive 10–15 minutes before your scheduled time. This allows you to complete any remaining paperwork and gives you a chance to settle in. Our front desk staff will greet you warmly and answer any last-minute questions you might have.

Pro tip: If you’re anxious about your visit, arrive a bit early to allow yourself time to relax and get acquainted with our Lewisville dental office.

What Happens During Your First Visit

A Warm Welcome

At Manchego Dental, patient comfort comes first. Our front desk team will greet you with a friendly smile, confirm your information, and make sure you feel at home. If you prefer to speak in Spanish, we’re happy to provide bilingual support to serve the Lewisville community.

Please notify our staff if you’re here for a same-day emergency dental issue. We strive to accommodate urgent needs as quickly as possible.

Medical and Dental History Review

Before any examinations begin, our team will review your medical and dental history. We’ll discuss:

  • Any current dental concerns or symptoms
  • Ongoing health challenges, medications, or allergies
  • Your previous dental experiences and anxiety triggers

This information helps Dr. Joel Manchego develop a clear picture of your needs and tailor your care accordingly.

Comprehensive Examination

Your first clinical exam is detailed, but our team works hard to keep the process comfortable and transparent. Here’s what you can expect:

Dental X-Rays

We take digital dental X-rays to reveal issues invisible to the naked eye, such as cavities, bone loss, or impacted teeth. Our modern technology uses minimal radiation and provides instant results, allowing Dr. Manchego to make informed decisions immediately.

Gum Health Check

Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. We gently assess your gums for any signs of inflammation or early gum disease (gingivitis), measuring the depth of the gum pockets around your teeth. Early detection is key for effective prevention and treatment.

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer can affect anyone, not just those who smoke or drink. That’s why every new patient receives a quick but thorough oral cancer screening. Using a specialized oral screening device, Dr. Manchego examines your mouth, tongue, and neck for unusual lumps, sores, or discolorations, giving you peace of mind.

Detailed Smile Examination

Finally, Dr. Manchego will examine your teeth for signs of decay, misalignment, enamel wear, or other concerns. This is your chance to discuss goals such as whitening, straightening, or restoring missing teeth.

Creating Your Personalized Treatment Plan

Once all assessments are complete, you can discuss the findings with Dr. Manchego. We value collaboration and transparency, so you’ll never feel pressured to make decisions. We’ll:

  • Explain your dental health status clearly
  • Review recommended treatments, if any, along with costs and timelines
  • Answer any questions you have about procedures, recovery, or long-term planning

Choosing the right dentist in Lewisville means having a partner invested in your smile for years.

After the Visit

Financial Options and Insurance Support

Understanding your financial options is important to feeling comfortable with dental care. Manchego Dental works with a wide range of dental insurance plans. Our knowledgeable team will help you understand your coverage, estimate out-of-pocket expenses, and file claims. If you need payment flexibility, we offer financing solutions through CareCredit or Sunbit to make quality care accessible. No dental insurance? You can also make use of our membership plan.

No insurance pays 100% of dental costs, and you might notice that insurance providers often reimburse at rates lower than your dentist’s actual fees. This happens because each insurance company establishes its own UCR (Usual, Customary, and Reasonable) rates. These rates are based on outdated claim data and internal profit goals, rather than reflecting the true costs of dental care in your area. As a result, the “allowable” fees determined by insurance companies may not accurately represent the value of quality care.

Insurance companies have not significantly adjusted their reimbursement rates in decades. It’s essential to prioritize your dental health based on what is best for you, rather than being limited by insurance constraints.

Follow-Up Appointments and Preventive Care

Prevention is better than a cure. Before you leave, we’ll help you schedule any follow-up treatments and your next routine cleaning and exam. Keeping up with regular visits is essential to maintaining oral health and catching any issues early.

If you had an emergency visit, we’ll offer guidance on aftercare and arrange check-ins to monitor your recovery.

Schedule Your Appointment with a Trusted Dentist in Lewisville Today!

Choosing a dentist in Lewisville is about more than just convenience; it’s about finding a provider who values your comfort, listens to your concerns, and delivers expert care with empathy. At Manchego Dental, Dr. Joel Manchego and our entire team are here to support you through every step of your dental health journey.

We also take pride in serving a diverse community by offering Spanish-speaking services and accommodating same-day emergency visits.

If you have questions or are ready to schedule your first appointment, contact us today. Taking action for your dental health today means investing in your overall well-being. We’re excited to welcome you to the Manchego Dental family!