Becoming a Patient

On your first visit you can expect to meet with Dr. Hanson in a private discussion designed to get to know you and your concerns. You can expect him to ask questions, listen and make notes during this initial meeting. After this, you will be directed to the exam room to begin a comprehensive dental examination.

During the examination Dr. Hanson will begin to analyze the conditions that exist in many different areas. These include the health of your jaw joints (TMJs), health of the muscles involved with jaw function, the effects of any habits you may have, the structure of your teeth and any current dentistry, esthetics, your bite, and the health of your gums and the bone that support your teeth. It may be indicated to take x-rays at this appointment to see what is not otherwise visible. It may also be pertinent to take records of your teeth to analyze in further detail. Dr. Hanson will advise which of these things are recommended. This first visit will take between 45 and 90 minutes.

At your second visit, Dr. Hanson will have taken the time to review all the information from your first appointment. He will sit privately with you to give you a comprehensive assessment of your oral health. He will be able to answer specific questions you might have and will be able to recommend what is the best course of treatment for you. Once you understand your own conditions, you will be able to make the right choices for yourself. We feel that using this comprehensive approach is what you deserve. It is the best way to communicate, to educate, to provide predictable dentistry and to prevent future dental problems. Our goal is to give you an understanding of what it means to have the highest possible level of comfort, function and esthetics.

The alternative to our approach is to wait until problems cause discomfort or changes in appearance. Would it not be better to avoid these in the first place?