At Marion Smile Center, we pride ourselves on our unwavering dedication to creating beautiful and healthy smiles while ensuring an unparalleled patient experience. The great, lasting impressions we create are what make all of our patients—even those with dental phobia or anxiety issues—look forward to each of their appointments. You can trust us to give you the same ultra-comfortable experience!
Keep reading to know what to expect at your first dental cleaning appointment with us at Marion Smile Center.
Your Arrival
The moment you walk through our doors, you can expect a warm welcome from our friendly receptionist. Most of our new patient information is gathered in the first few minutes of your arrival with our receptionist’s help. While seated comfortably at the check-in desk, our receptionist will verbally walk you through each question and enter your responses. Everything at our office is digitally entered, from intake forms to x-rays to financial arrangements.
This paperless documentation process is part of our goal to give you a seamless experience while making sure the information Dr. Marion and our hygienists receive are accurate and up to date.
Our Comfort Menu
When you are finished reviewing your information with the receptionist, one of our assistants will then walk you to treatment rooms, where we will provide you with everything that you need to keep you relaxed and comfortable throughout your visit.
Please let us know if you would like any of the following amenities or if there is anything else we can provide you with.
- Blanket
- Coffee
- iPads & Pac Man for children’s entertainment
- Lip balm
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation (fees apply)
- Noise-cancelling headphones & your choice of music
- Pillow
- Sensitivity polish
- Squeeze ball
- Water
Your First Professional Dental Cleaning Appointment
Your first dental cleaning appointment with us will take approximately 1 ¼ hours. This is likely longer than a typical cleaning appointment you’ve received in other offices. At this appointment, 1 of our 3 Dental Hygienists’ along with our assistants will gather information regarding your specific dental history, assess your current dental health and concerns. This gives us an opportunity to gain a good insight into your oral health as well as provide the best care tailored to your specific needs.
Below is an outline of the various steps of your first Marion Smile Center dental cleaning:
- Health History Review
We will review your dental history, medical conditions, and any prescription drugs that you may be currently taking, which may affect your dental health. - Dental Imaging (Radiographs/X-rays)
We will take a series of X-rays to check for cavities between your teeth that we can not see with the naked eye, as well assess your bone levels to determine your gum health. We will also take a panoramic X-ray to detect cysts, abscesses, impacted teeth, or any other irregularities in your jaw or around the roots of your teeth. - Intra-Oral Photographs
Using our high quality cameras, we are able to take photos of your teeth and gums close up with vivid detail. Not only does this give us a digital record of you teeth, but it enables us to show you what you typically might not be able to see by just looking in your mouth. - Microscope Slide
Our hygienists will take a sample of your plaque to evaluate what kind of bacteria is present in your mouth. Everyone has bacteria, some have the type that cause cavities, some have the type that cause gum disease. We will review the video of the microscope slide with you to learn more about your current oral health, together. - Gum Measurements
According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 50% of American adults have some form of periodontal disease, a serious health concern.
To assess your gum health, our dental hygienist will record the pocket depth of your gums using a measuring instrument. A healthy mouth has 1-3mm pocket depth. If the initial base line measurements are 4mm or greater, you will typically need a more thorough cleaning to remove the active infection and bacteria from your mouth (this is commonly indicative of periodontal disease). We will take these measurements yearly to monitor any changes in your gums. - Oral Cancer Screening
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, there are an estimated 54,000 Americans who will be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer this year. Of those, only slightly more than half will be alive in 5 years.
To help you avoid becoming a statistic, our dental hygienist will offer an oral cancer screening utilizing fluorescent-light technology to detect abnormalities—which are otherwise not seen by the naked eye. - Professional Dental Cleaning
At your first visit with us, one of our hygienists will perform what we consider a “healthy mouth” cleaning. At this first cleaning, they will clean above the gum line to remove tartar, plaque buildup, and tooth stains. Considering the condition of your gums, the amount of plaque, and tartar buildup will determine if an additional cleaning or Gum Therapy will be necessary. To learn more about Gum Disease and it’s treatment, click here. - Examination
In the final part of your visit, you will meet with Dr. Marion. He will do a thorough exam of your teeth, gums, mouth, and throat to detect any problems. Together, you two will discuss if any treatment he recommends, if necessary. Dr. Marion and his team delight in providing patient education and encouraging all of our patients to take an active role in their dental health.
Dr. Marion has been featured in Pittsburgh Magazine’s Top Dentists each year since 2011. He has dedicated his career to helping countless men, women, and children in our community achieve excellent oral health throughout their lives. What makes this award so meaningful is that it’s his peers, other dental professionals, that vote.
Schedule Your 1st Dental Cleaning Today!
To arrange a professional cleaning appointment with Dr. Marion, call us at (724) 452-4300. You may also fill out our secure online appointment request form.
