Getting Started
Your first visit with us starts with a complete picture of your oral health, built around comfort, clear answers, and zero guesswork.
Joining a new dental practice is a bit like meeting a new doctor for the first time - you want to know someone is actually listening, not just moving you through a checklist. At Spring Lake Dental, your first appointment is built to give us, and you, a clear and honest picture of where your oral health stands right now.
We keep that first visit straightforward. You will have digital x-rays taken, a complete exam from one of our dentists, and, whenever your schedule and clinical situation allow, a professional cleaning to finish things off on the same day. No surprises, no rushed explanations - just a solid starting point for whatever comes next.
Here is exactly what happens when you sit in our chair for the first time, in the order it happens.
We start with a set of digital x-rays so the dentist can see what is happening below the gumline - bone levels, developing decay between teeth, old root canals, and anything else a visual exam alone cannot catch. The images are low-radiation and ready to review within seconds.
Next, your dentist examines your teeth, gums, bite, and jaw, checks for signs of oral cancer, and reviews your x-rays with you directly. We will walk you through anything we find in plain language, no dental-school vocabulary required.
If your gum health and the exam findings allow it, we finish with a professional cleaning the same day, removing plaque and buildup and polishing your teeth so you leave feeling fresh. If a deeper cleaning is needed first, we will explain why and schedule it promptly.
Some offices try to do everything on your first visit no matter what. We would rather get it right. Whether we move straight to a cleaning or hold off until a specific concern is addressed depends on what the x-rays and exam actually show that day - not on a fixed script. That is the whole point of doing the exam and x-rays first.
This approach protects your time and your teeth. A cleaning on top of active gum infection or untreated decay does not solve the underlying problem, and in some cases it is not the right next step clinically. Our dentists will tell you plainly whether you are a good candidate for a same-day cleaning or whether a different sequence of care makes more sense.
Here is what we ask you to bring and expect from your visit:
If you have dental anxiety, let the front desk know when you book. We slow down, explain each step before it happens, and never move forward with treatment you have not agreed to. New patient visits typically run between 60 and 90 minutes, which gives us enough time to do this properly without rushing you out the door.
"We never clean a mouth we haven't properly examined first. Patients deserve to know exactly what is going on before any instrument touches their teeth, and that order of operations protects everyone."
The Spring Lake Dental Team
We offer flexible ways to pay for care beyond your insurance benefits. See our financing options or review details on our insurance page before your visit.
Common questions new patients ask before their first visit to Spring Lake Dental.
Your visit begins with digital x-rays, followed by a complete exam of your teeth, gums, bite, and jaw from one of our dentists. If your gum health and the exam findings allow it, we will finish with a professional cleaning on the same day. We will explain everything we find before moving to the next step.
If the exam reveals active gum disease, infection, or decay that needs attention first, a standard cleaning may not be the right next step. In those cases, we will explain exactly what is going on and schedule the appropriate treatment before moving forward with a cleaning.
Most new patient visits run between 60 and 90 minutes. That gives us time to take x-rays, complete a thorough exam, review the findings with you, and perform a cleaning if your situation allows it, all without rushing through any step.
Please bring your insurance information if you have it, a list of current medications, and any recent x-rays from a previous dentist. A photo ID is also helpful. If you have specific concerns like sensitivity or pain, jot those down so we don't miss anything during the exam.
If you can have your previous dentist send us recent, diagnostic-quality x-rays before your visit, we may be able to use them instead of retaking new ones. Just let our front desk know in advance so we can request the records and confirm they meet our clinical needs.
Yes. We walk through your x-rays and exam findings with you in plain language, point out anything of concern on the images directly, and answer any questions before discussing next steps. You will never be left guessing about the state of your oral health.
Absolutely. Let our front desk know when you book, and we will take extra time to explain each step before it happens and check in with you throughout the appointment. Nothing proceeds without your understanding and agreement, and we are happy to go at whatever pace helps you feel comfortable.
You can request an appointment online through our appointment request form, or call our office directly at 863 297 6555. Our team will confirm a time that fits your schedule and walk you through anything you need to prepare beforehand.
BOOK YOUR VISIT
Join the FL 33881 families who trust Spring Lake Dental. New patients and emergencies are always welcome.
1192 Havendale Blvd NW Winter Haven, FL 33881
863 297 6555