PATIENT INFORMATION

• Introduction
• First Visit
• Scheduling
• Financial Policy
• Insurance
• Advanced Technology
• Home Instructions
• Online Forms
• Patient Testimonials

"Patients carry their own doctor inside. They come to us not knowing that truth. We (doctors) are at our best when we give the Physician who resides within each patient a chance to go to work."

First Visit

Dr. L. D. Pankey, the namesake of the prestigious Pankey Institute, would often tell a room packed with dentists, "How dare you look at someone's teeth before you (get a chance to) know the person attached to them." Based on that profound observation, we do things differently. I like to spend 30 minutes getting to know my new patient. We do not charge for this additional time. I see it as a good investment. It gives the patient an opportunity to identify their goals and priorities. Some people want a "Hollywood" smile. Some people simply want to keep their teeth and eat comfortably. New patients can also identify any "hot buttons" that they want avoided; any obstacles to achieving optimal oral health.

We want to treat you as a unique individual. On rare occassions, a new patient will request that we not have this 30 minute chat. Invariably, the items we would have discussed end up being discussed anyway, but in a fragmented fashion. There are over 100 dentists in the area. There is no reason why you shouldn't have a dentist with whom you are comfortable and trust explicitly. When you trust your doctor everything else flows smoothly. Dr. Mark Knollman

Your initial appointment will consist of a thorough examination of your teeth, periodontium (the gum and bone around your teeth), your masticatory system (which includes both tempormandibular joints (tmj) and the muscles of chewing) and an oral cancer screening. Photographs of your upper and lower teeth will be taken so you can see what we see. If things are straightforward, we will explain your diagnosis and treatment options. A second appointment may be needed if you have a complex medical history or complex treatment requiring one or more specialists.

Please assist us by providing the following information at the time of your consultation:

• Recent X-rays
• A list of medications you are presently taking.
• If you have dental insurance, bring the necessary completed forms. This will save time and allow us to help you process any claims.

IMPORTANT: A parent or guardian must accompany all patients under 18 at the consultation visit.

Please alert the office if you require medication prior to dental cleanings (i.e. antibiotics, for pre-med.) for various medical conditions such as artificial heart valves and prosthetic joints for hips and knees.

X-Rays

If your previous dentist has taken recent x-rays , you may request that they forward them to our office. If there is not enough time, please pick them up and bring them to our office to facilitate with your examination. If additional films are necessary, they can be taken at our office. Normally, we take the smaller bitewings once a year and a panoramic x-ray once every three years.

All of our x-rays are digital. They are the best quality with the least amount of radiation possible. That's good news for our patients and us.