Initial Consultation
An initial consultation is an important part of your surgical care. It allows our providers to get to know you and better understand the reason for your visit. You should expect to discuss your medical history, any medications you take, and undergo a brief health review. Our providers will also perform a physical exam and obtain any necessary x-rays or tests. This allows your surgeon to individualize any necessary surgical treatment to your specific needs. It also identifies any problems or conditions that may need to be addressed prior to surgery to ensure the best possible outcome.
How do I prepare for my consultation?
Before meeting with your doctor, you should be well prepared. We encourage you to take an active role in your health care. Write down any symptoms you’re having and what treatments you have already tried. Consider making a list of all the questions and concerns you want to discuss. Plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment to complete the registration process. Patients under the age of 18 will require a parent or legal guardian to accompany them during their consultation.
Please have the following items available at your first appointment:
New Patient Paperwork.
Please click here to securely fill out our new patient registration forms online. These forms are also available at our offices on the day of your appointment. If you were sent registration forms by mail, please fill them out and bring them to your appointment.
Patients being evaluated for jaw joint or muscle problems should also fill out our TMJ questionnaire and have it available at their appointment.
Current List of Medications:
Please bring a list of any medications that you are taking.
Photo Identification:
Please bring your most recent available government-issued photo identification.
Medical and Dental Insurance:
Please provide all the medical and dental insurance information requested on your new patient forms. Be sure to bring your insurance cards and/or completed claim form on the day of your appointment. This will ensure your insurance company will pay maximum benefits. You are responsible for checking with your employer to determine if your surgery will fall under your medical or dental coverage.
We do not participate in Medicare. If a patient with Medicare chooses to be seen in our office, they are fully responsible for all fees associated with their care. Please contact our office at 828-255-7781 with any questions.
Proof of Student Status:
If you are a full-time student in college and are still insured by a parent, proof of student status will be required. Please provide this at the time of service to expedite your claim processing.
X-Rays:
Teeth embedded within the jaw are difficult to examine with conventional dental x-rays. We will require the use of a panoramic radiograph to ensure the proper evaluation and diagnosis. This radiograph will provide an overall view of both the upper and lower jaws and the relationship of the teeth to the adjacent nerve and blood vessel canals, as well as to the nasal and sinus cavities.
We do accept x-rays taken by your general dentist if they are of acceptable quality and have been taken within a year of your surgery. If this is not provided on the day of your appointment, we may have to take a current x-ray at our office at our standard fee.
