A new patient appointment takes between 60-90 minutes. Prior to this appointment, patients are asked to complete a thorough health history, a HIPAA acknowledgment, and a photo consent. Once this information has been entered into the patients computerized chart, the patient brought back to the dental suite by the dental assistant to meet the doctor. Dr. Michael will discuss any dental concerns you may have, review your health history, as well as, answer any additional questions you may have about him or the dental office. Then the dental assistant proceeds with taking the necessary digital dental X-rays. Once the X-rays are completed, Dr. Michael comes back into the dental operatory to proceed with a series of extra-oral photographs followed by a series of intra-oral dental photographs. These dental photos and digital X-rays are reviewed briefly with the patient and then Dr. Michael and his assistant begin the clinical examination. Clinical examination begins with computerized charting of all existing dental restorations, cracks, decay, and/or any other dental conditions evident in the exam. Then, Dr. Michael performs a complete periodontal examination – this where gum disease may be detected by the presence of periodontal pockets. Next, the doctor does a soft tissue exam of the mouth and surrounding tissue which includes an oral cancer screening. The last three parts of the clinical exam are the periodontal tissue exam, occlusal exam, and TMJ exam (Temporomandibular Joint – jaw joint). Once the clinical exam is complete, Dr. Michael likes to spend about 5 minutes reviewing some oral hygiene techniques that will help patient to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.