Having a winning smile changes the context by which you see yourself and the world sees you. Some people have lapsed into poor general and oral health, some are embarrassed by their smile and in such, have muted the colors of their true personality. Other patients are seeking a means to more confidence and sex appeal, and some are looking for the best personal fit with their doctor. My patients are a wonderful group of people who have found health, confidence, and the personal satisfaction with themselves that comes from having a great smile. That smile lights everything about themselves and showcases their best self. Our patients know that their well-being is our priority. Our task is to:

• Educate without judgment
• Cheer improvement
• Treat disease and foster wellness
• Bolster confidence by improving the cosmetic appearance of our patients through their smiles
• Improve and gain better lives through dentistry

Whether you are beginning on your journey to your best self or want to keep up the momentum that you are having with good general and dental health, we welcome you.

The important thing is that you're moving forward to the place of your best self, as well as a vibrant, beaming smile. Our team would like to welcome you to the Vinings Center for Dentistry and look forward to sharing how dentistry can improve your life.

Knowing what to expect from your first visit to a dental office is an important part of making a patient's experience all the more enjoyable. Prior to your arrival, our friendly staff is available to answer any questions that you may have. If you have any dental insurance benefits that you would like to use, the staff can help you communicate with your insurance company to determine what your plan benefits are. Please remember that dental “insurance” is not like medical insurance or car insurance. The benefits are not designed to completely pay for needed dentistry. As is the case with all insurance companies of late, they do not guarantee that the information given to us is accurate, (because you are their client, not us), or that they will pay the benefits that we expect from our calls. In the current economy, all companies state the disclaimer that they will determine the actual benefit after a claim and treatment is complete. This is not good news for patients, however, we can do the best we can with estimates.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a friendly staff member who will lead you to our dental hygiene department. Once there, you will both discuss in confidentiality your medical and dental history and any special concerns, information or expectations that we should be aware of. Ample time is allotted for each appointment to insure that all of your questions and concerns are discussed. Your new patient experience will last approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. Please allot the necessary time for your appointment. We will accomplish the following during this visit:

• Intra-oral digital camera tour of your mouth. We love photos. Photos are needed and will be stored for future evaluation, analysis, and comparison.
• Oral cancer exam. Extra-oral and intra-oral exam to rule out any potential pathology.
• TMJ and Masticatory screening.
• Snoring and Sleep Apnea screening.
• Occlusion/Bite classification.
• Periodontal (gum)examination: exact measurement in millimeters of periodontal pocketing and recession. We evaluate gum tissue texture and color and other medical parameters. All is charted in the computer. If you have a diagnosis of periodontal disease you will be informed of such at this time.
• Hard tissue exam: examination, charting and analysis of existing fillings and any new decay. These too, will be charted in the computer and you will be given a copy of our findings.

For your convenience, all health history, HIPPA and financial forms are available on this page and can be downloaded to save you time during your initial visit. Now you are all set for your first visit with us!