Your first dental visit in North Raleigh
A Thorough First Visit Built Around Understanding You
Most new patients begin with required diagnostic X-rays, a professional cleaning when appropriate, and a comprehensive examination with Dr. Abigail Scanlan. The visit establishes a useful baseline and gives you time to discuss concerns, findings, and next steps.
Request a New-Patient Visit
What a Typical First Visit Includes
A typical new-patient visit is designed to establish an accurate baseline rather than rush into treatment. We begin by learning what brought you to the practice, reviewing your health and dental history, and obtaining the diagnostic information Dr. Scanlan needs to evaluate your current oral health.
For most routine new patients, current digital X-rays are required before the cleaning and comprehensive examination steps. Imaging helps reveal areas between teeth, around roots, beneath existing dental work, and within supporting bone that cannot be evaluated through a visual examination alone.
Why We Begin with a Complete Baseline
The right starting point depends on the person, concern, available records, and purpose of the visit.
A Reliable Diagnostic Starting Point
Current images help Dr. Scanlan evaluate hidden decay, bone levels, infections, tooth development, and existing restorations before recommendations are made.
The Appropriate Type of Cleaning
A routine cleaning is appropriate when the gums and supporting structures are generally healthy. If periodontal disease is present, the team will explain why a different type of care is needed.
A Comprehensive Examination
Dr. Scanlan evaluates teeth, gums, bite, jaw joints, oral tissues, existing dental work, and the concerns that matter most to you.
Findings in Plain Language
You receive an explanation of what was found, what deserves attention, what can be monitored, and which choices may be reasonable.
Priorities, Not a Sales List
When treatment is needed, recommendations are organized around urgency, prevention, comfort, function, long-term value, and your goals.
A Relationship for Continuing Care
The records from this visit become the baseline used to recognize changes and provide more personal follow-through over time.
Your Visit, Step by Step
Each step is explained before you are asked to move forward.
1) Complete Forms and Share Your Concerns
Complete the appropriate adult or child registration form and tell the care team about symptoms, goals, medications, health conditions, past dental experiences, and requested records.
2) Take Required Diagnostic X-Rays
New-patient comprehensive visits begin with the current X-rays Dr. Scanlan needs before the remaining clinical steps. Useful recent images from another office may be reviewed when they are diagnostically adequate.
3) Evaluate Gum Health and Cleaning Needs
A hygienist evaluates the gums and buildup to determine whether a routine preventive cleaning is appropriate or periodontal care should be discussed.
4) Complete the Cleaning When Appropriate
When the mouth is suitable for a routine cleaning, the hygienist removes plaque and tartar, polishes the teeth, reviews home care, and documents observations for Dr. Scanlan.
5) Perform the Comprehensive Examination
Dr. Scanlan reviews the images and clinical notes, then examines the teeth, gums, bite, oral tissues, and existing dental work.
6) Discuss Findings and Next Steps
We explain the findings, answer questions, and discuss monitoring, prevention, treatment priorities, or specialist coordination when appropriate.
A Different Starting Visit May Be Safer
Severe pain, swelling, trauma, or a broken tooth may require an urgent problem-focused visit instead of the routine new-patient sequence. Call the office rather than relying on a general website form for urgent concerns.
If gum measurements and examination indicate periodontal disease, a routine cleaning may not be the correct service. The team will explain the findings and the type of periodontal care that is appropriate before proceeding.
What to Bring or Review
Use the links and preparation details that apply to your care.
Completed Registration Form
Use the current adult or child form and bring the completed document as directed by the care team.
Health and Medication Information
Bring a complete medication list, allergies, health conditions, and any premedication information.
Identification and Insurance Details
Bring identification and current insurance information when you want the office to review benefits and file a claim.
Requested Dental Records
Arrange transfer of recent X-rays, treatment plans, or other records when the care team says they may be useful.
New-Patient Visit Questions
Are X-rays required for a comprehensive new-patient visit?
Yes. The comprehensive visit begins with required diagnostic X-rays so Dr. Scanlan has the information needed before the remaining examination steps. Learn what digital dental X-rays show.
Will I always receive a cleaning at the first visit?
A routine cleaning is completed when it is clinically appropriate and the appointment type allows it. If gum disease or another concern changes the recommended starting care, we explain why. Learn about routine dental cleanings.
How long will the first visit take?
Timing depends on the records needed, the condition of your gums, the type of cleaning, and the questions you want to discuss. The care team reserves the appointment type and time after learning what you need.
Can you use X-rays from my previous dentist?
Sometimes. Recent images may be useful when they show the necessary areas and remain diagnostically adequate. The care team will explain what to request and Dr. Scanlan determines whether additional images are needed. Read more about selecting current X-rays.
Will treatment begin at the first routine visit?
Usually the first priority is diagnosis, preventive care when appropriate, and a clear discussion. Treatment timing depends on urgency, complexity, available time, and the plan you choose.
What if I am coming because of pain?
Call (919) 977-1870 and describe the problem. The team may arrange an urgent evaluation rather than a routine new-patient cleaning and examination.
Let’s Plan Your Visit
Tell us a little about the visit you need. Our care team will answer your questions and help you schedule with Dr. Scanlan. If a tooth is hurting or your concern is urgent, please call the office.