Your First Visit at Alameda Dental
Becoming a new patient at Alameda Dental is a straightforward process designed to give our team a complete picture of your oral health before any treatment begins. We are located at 14591 E Alameda Ave, Aurora, CO 80012, and our practice is led by Dr. Casandra Barnes.
A new patient visit is not a single treatment—it is a comprehensive evaluation that establishes your baseline, identifies any existing conditions, and creates a personalized roadmap for the care you need. Some patients arrive with a specific concern, while others come for a routine checkup after a gap in care. In both cases, we take the time to listen, examine, and explain before we recommend any next steps.
What Happens During a New Patient Visit
Most new patient visits follow a consistent sequence, though the specifics depend on your history and what we find during the exam.
We begin by reviewing your medical and dental history, including current medications, past procedures, and any symptoms or concerns you want us to address. Understanding your overall health helps us make safe treatment recommendations.
Next, Dr. Barnes performs a clinical examination of your teeth, gums, tongue, and the soft tissues of your mouth. This includes a periodontal evaluation to measure gum attachment levels and an oral cancer screening—a visual and tactile check for any abnormalities.
Imaging is typically part of the first visit. We may take digital X-rays to see what is happening beneath the surface: between teeth, around roots, and in the bone that supports them. The type and number of images depend on your age, risk factors, and how long it has been since your last dental X-rays.
After gathering this information, we discuss our findings with you in plain language. If we identify areas that need attention, we explain the options, answer your questions, and provide a written plan that outlines recommended care, timing, and estimated costs.
A professional cleaning may be performed during the same visit or scheduled for a follow-up, depending on the condition of your gums and the time required to complete the exam.
Who Can Become a New Patient
We welcome patients of all ages and oral health backgrounds. Whether you have not seen a dentist in years, are new to the Aurora area, or are simply looking for a different practice, you can schedule a new patient visit.
There is no single candidacy requirement for becoming a new patient. The visit itself is how we determine what care is appropriate for you. Some patients need only a routine cleaning and exam. Others may benefit from additional diagnostic steps or a discussion of more involved treatment.
We encourage patients with dental anxiety to let us know when they book. We can adjust the pace of the visit, explain each step before we perform it, and discuss comfort options that may help.
Information We Collect
A thorough first visit relies on accurate records. We typically gather:
- A full medical and dental history, including medications, allergies, and past surgeries
- A list of any current symptoms, sensitive teeth, or cosmetic concerns
- Periodontal charting to measure gum health around each tooth
- Digital X-rays, which use less radiation than traditional film and provide immediate images we can review with you
If you have recent X-rays from a previous dentist, we can often request those records so we do not duplicate images unnecessarily. Let our front-office team know, and we will handle the transfer.
What We Look For
During the new patient exam, Dr. Barnes evaluates several aspects of your oral health:
- Cavities and early decay that may not yet be visible or symptomatic
- Gum health, including signs of gingivitis or periodontitis
- Worn, cracked, or fractured teeth
- Existing restorations such as fillings and crowns to check their condition
- Bite alignment and any signs of grinding or clenching
- Soft tissue abnormalities in the tongue, cheeks, lips, and throat
The goal is not just to identify problems but to understand your overall risk profile so we can recommend a preventive schedule that fits you.
After the Exam: Your Care Plan
Once the exam and any needed imaging are complete, we walk you through our findings. If your mouth is healthy, we recommend a routine preventive schedule—typically a cleaning and checkup at an interval appropriate for your risk level.
If we identify conditions that need treatment, we explain them one at a time. We outline the recommended approach, any alternatives, and the risks of delaying care. You receive a written treatment plan with estimated costs so you can make an informed decision without pressure.
Some treatment can begin the same day. More involved procedures are scheduled for a future visit, giving you time to consider the plan and coordinate with your schedule.
Cost and Insurance for New Patients
The cost of a new patient visit depends on the specific services provided during your exam. A straightforward checkup with X-rays and a cleaning differs in scope from a visit that requires additional imaging or a more extensive periodontal evaluation.
We will verify your dental insurance benefits before your appointment and explain what your plan may cover. Coverage varies widely by carrier and plan type, so we encourage you to call us at (303) 343-7072 with your insurance information before your visit. Our team can provide an estimate of what to expect.
We provide a clear, written estimate before any treatment begins, so there are no surprises.
Comfort and Communication
We know that visiting a new dentist can feel unfamiliar. Our team is trained to keep you informed at every step. We explain what we are doing, what you may feel, and how long each part of the visit will take.
If you need a break during the appointment, just let us know. We follow infection control protocols that meet CDC and ADA guidelines, including instrument sterilization and barrier protection, so you can feel confident in the safety of your care.
Patients who have had difficult experiences in the past are welcome here. We will work at a pace that feels manageable and can discuss additional options to support your comfort.
Getting Started as a New Patient
Scheduling your first visit is simple. Call our office at (303) 343-7072 or use the appointment request form on our website. Our team will ask a few brief questions to prepare for your arrival and help you gather any information we may need, such as insurance details and a list of current medications.
We serve Aurora and the surrounding communities from our location at 14591 E Alameda Ave. If you have an urgent concern, let us know when you call—we reserve time for patients in pain and will work to see you promptly.
Request Your Appointment
Alameda Dental is accepting new patients. Contact us today to request your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
People Also Ask
Dental Terminology
- Prophylaxis
- The professional dental cleaning performed for patients without periodontal disease, removing plaque, tartar, and surface stains.
- Fluoride
- A naturally occurring mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps reverse early decay before a cavity forms.
- Dental Sealant
- A thin protective resin coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent decay in deep grooves.
- Bitewing X-ray
- A diagnostic image that shows the crowns of upper and lower teeth in one area of the mouth, used to detect cavities between teeth.
- Caries Risk Assessment
- A clinical evaluation of a patient's likelihood of developing cavities based on factors such as diet, saliva, hygiene, and history.
- Oral Cancer Screening
- A visual and tactile examination of the tongue, cheeks, palate, and throat for abnormalities that could indicate early cancer.
- Plaque
- A sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and must be removed daily through brushing and flossing to prevent decay and gum disease.
- Xerostomia
- Chronic dry mouth from reduced saliva production, which increases cavity risk and is often caused by medications or systemic conditions.