What to Expect During Your First Dental Visit to 2nd Avenue Family Dental
Starting with a new dentist is a big decision—especially if it’s been a while since your last visit or you’ve had stressful dental experiences in the past. Knowing exactly what will happen at your first appointment can make things feel calmer and more predictable.
At 2nd Ave Family Dental (2AVD) in Durango, your first visit is focused on listening, understanding your goals, and creating a clear plan together. This guide walks through each step of that first appointment so you know what to expect from the moment you schedule to the moment you leave our office.
Before Your First Visit: Scheduling, Forms, and What to Bring
Your first visit to 2nd Avenue Family Dental actually starts at home. A little preparation can make your time in the office smoother and ensure we have everything we need to take great care of you.
Scheduling your appointment: When you call or request an appointment online, we’ll help you find a time that works with your schedule and talk briefly about your main concerns—whether it’s a routine checkup, tooth pain, cosmetic goals, or something else.
New patient forms: We’ll provide forms to gather your medical history, medications, allergies, and dental background. Filling these out ahead of time (online or on paper) helps us understand your health and plan your visit more efficiently.
Insurance and previous records: If you have dental insurance, bring your card or information so we can help estimate benefits. If you have recent X-rays or treatment notes from another office, those can be sent to us before your appointment when possible.
Watch: How Is the First Visit to a Dentist?
This video gives an overview of what typically happens at a first dental visit—from check-in through exam—so you can walk in feeling more prepared.
When You Arrive: Check-In and Getting Comfortable
We want your first impressions of 2nd Avenue Family Dental to match what you’ll experience in the chair—friendly, calm, and well-organized.
Warm Welcome and Check-In
When you arrive, our front-desk team will greet you, confirm your information, and answer any immediate questions. If any forms are still needed, we’ll help you complete them without rushing.
Insurance and Payment Questions
We’ll review your insurance details (if applicable) and talk through how we estimate coverage, out-of-pocket costs, and payment options—so there are fewer surprises later on.
Meeting Your Clinical Team
A dental assistant or hygienist will bring you back to the treatment room, review your health history and main concerns, and explain what will happen during your visit before anything begins.
Short, behind-the-scenes reels like this can give you a feel for the energy and personality of a dental office before you ever walk through the door.
Step 1: X-Rays and a Complete Dental Checkup
Your first visit is usually more detailed than a quick “look and clean.” We want a complete picture of your oral health so we can make thoughtful, long-term recommendations.
Dental X-rays (as needed): If you’re new to 2nd Avenue Family Dental or haven’t had X-rays in a while, we’ll likely take a set of digital images. These help us see between teeth, under old fillings, and around roots and bone where problems can hide.
Gum and bone health evaluation: We’ll gently check your gums for signs of inflammation, measure pocket depths around your teeth, and look for early signs of gum disease that may not hurt yet but need attention.
Tooth-by-tooth exam: Your dentist will examine each tooth for decay, cracks, worn fillings, and signs of grinding or clenching. We also look at how your teeth come together when you bite.
Watch: How to Prepare for Your First Dental Appointment
This video explains how completing forms, confirming your visit, and listing your smile goals ahead of time can make your first appointment smoother and more productive.
Step 2: Professional Cleaning and Hygiene Coaching
Depending on your needs, your first visit may also include a professional cleaning. In some cases—especially when there has been a long gap between dental visits or there are signs of gum disease—we may schedule your cleaning at a separate appointment so we can give it the time and attention it deserves.
Plaque and Tartar Removal
Your hygienist will gently remove plaque and hardened tartar from your teeth and along the gumline using specialized instruments. This helps reduce inflammation and lowers your risk of cavities and gum disease.
Polishing and Flossing
After scaling, your teeth are polished to remove surface stains, then flossed to make sure the spaces between teeth are clean and smooth.
Personalized Home-Care Tips
We’ll review brushing and flossing techniques, recommend tools that match your mouth (such as floss picks or interdental brushes), and answer questions about products you’re already using at home.
Reels that show simple morning and nighttime routines are a good reminder that oral care doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective—especially once your hygienist has fine-tuned a plan for you.
Step 3: Talking Through Your Results and Next Steps
One of the most important parts of your first visit at 2nd Avenue Family Dental is the conversation at the end. We don’t just hand you a treatment plan—we walk through it with you in plain language.
Reviewing your exam and X-rays: Your dentist will show you what we see on your teeth and X-rays, explain any areas of concern, and point out what’s going well, too.
Prioritizing treatment (if needed): If you need additional care—such as fillings, crowns, gum treatment, or cosmetic work—we’ll help you prioritize what should come first based on urgency, comfort, and your goals.
Cost and scheduling questions: Our team will go over estimated costs, insurance benefits where applicable, and help you schedule follow-up visits in a way that feels manageable.
Watch: Your Child’s First Cleaning – Step by Step
This pediatric-focused video walks parents and kids through a typical first cleaning, helping younger patients feel more comfortable about what to expect.
First Visits for Kids, Anxious Patients, and Special Situations
No two patients are alike. We adjust your first visit based on your age, comfort level, and health needs.
Children and Teens
For younger patients, we move at their pace—sometimes focusing more on “getting to know the office” and building trust than doing every possible procedure on day one. We’ll talk with parents about growth, habits, and home care, too.
Patients with Dental Anxiety
If you feel nervous about dental care, you’re not alone. Let us know ahead of time, and we can plan extra time for questions, use more gradual steps, and discuss comfort options to make your visit easier.
Complex Medical or Dental Histories
For patients with significant medical conditions or extensive prior dental work, we may coordinate with your physician, request additional records, or schedule a follow-up consultation to finalize your treatment plan after reviewing everything carefully.
Reels like this underscore something important: dental visits are just one part of real life. Our goal is to integrate your care into your routine—not disrupt it.
After Your First Visit: Staying Connected and On Track
Your relationship with 2nd Avenue Family Dental doesn’t end when you walk out the door. We’ll stay in touch and help you stay on top of your next steps.
Future appointment reminders: We’ll send reminders for upcoming visits by text, email, or phone—whatever works best for you—so cleanings and treatments don’t slip through the cracks.
Questions after you leave: It’s common to think of new questions once you get home. You’re always welcome to call or contact us through our website if something isn’t clear or a new concern comes up.
Ongoing preventive care: Once we’ve addressed any urgent needs, we’ll work with you to set a regular schedule for cleanings, exams, and other preventive services that fit your risk level and goals.
You can explore our Dental Cleanings & Exams and General & Family Dentistry pages to see how routine care fits into your long-term plan.
Ready to Schedule Your First Visit to 2nd Avenue Family Dental?
If you’re considering a new dentist in Durango—or it’s simply been a while since your last appointment—we’d be honored to be part of your next chapter. At 2nd Ave Family Dental, your first visit is about more than a checklist of procedures. It’s about getting to know you, understanding your goals, and building a plan that feels realistic and supportive.
Whether you’re coming in for a routine checkup, a second opinion, or a specific concern, we’ll meet you where you are and guide you step by step.
Schedule Your First Visit