Ankeny, IA

Once you have scheduled your first visit, complete setting up your account and new patient paperwork to save time in the office later.

In the waiting room, you will be greeted by your Patient Service Representative.

Please come in 15 minutes before your appointment so you have time to complete your paperwork, if you have not done so online already.

You will meet with your Dental Assistant or Hygienist to talk about your medical history. If you have any oral health worries or fears, you can feel comfortable sharing them with him or her—your comfort is most important, so we encourage you to ask questions.

After you meet your Dental Assistant or Hygienist, you will be taken to the x-ray room, panoramic radiographs, and/or scanning, based on your needs.

Panoramic radiographs help your dentist view unerupted or impacted teeth, as well as sinus conditions, and can detect lesions or fractures in the jaw.

The equipment we use is very low radiation and will help us get a bigger picture of your oral health.

Periodontal charting measures the space between a tooth and the gum tissue next to it to determine the health of your gums.

Your Dental Hygienist will gently insert a tool called a probe into this space and use the markings on the probe to measure how deep it can reach.

Generally speaking, the lower the number the more healthy your gums are.

We will complete evaluation of your mouth, we’ll check your teeth, bones, and gums — we want to make sure nothing is missed.

There's a good reason why you probably won't receive a teeth cleaning at your first appointment: Once we see the big picture, we’ll talk with you about anything we see and create your care plan. It could be returning for a denture fitting, it could be solving for a broken tooth, or it could be scheduling a cleaning.

Even cleanings need a customized approach, and we’ll plan for that. Of course, if you come in with pain, we’ll care for that. Again, it’s all about YOU and what your mouth needs.

This initial comprehensive exam is a no-risk way to learn the status of your oral health, and to learn how your Aspen Dental team can help you. If you want a second opinion, no problem – you can obtain a copy of your exam results and x-rays at no charge.

Your dentist will discuss the comprehensive dental treatment plan he or she developed specifically for you. While your dentist will provide the expert guidance you deserve, your questions are always welcome and you always have the final say in your treatment.

Your treatment plan is designed to prevent small issues from getting bigger and more expensive, so it will address the problems that are bothering you now and may also identify others that could impact your long-term oral health.

After you’ve talked with your dentist, your treatment plan coordinator will answer any questions or concerns you might have. Here is where you will arrange your next visit. This is also when you can talk about payment options, including flexible, easy financing and how your dental insurance works (insurance is not required).