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Walking into a dental office for the first time can feel like a lot, even if you have been putting off that visit for reasons that have nothing to do with fear. Maybe you moved to a new city, maybe your old dentist retired, or maybe it has been a while, and you are not sure what to expect once you sit down in the chair.
At the office of Dr. Peter Hazim, our team walks new patients through every step so nothing feels unfamiliar for long, and our general dentistry services in Allen are built around exactly this kind of first visit. Knowing what happens before you arrive can turn a source of hesitation into something much easier to manage.
What Happens During A New Patient Exam?
Your first appointment is built around getting a full picture of your oral health, not just checking a box. We start by reviewing your medical and dental history because conditions like diabetes or certain medications can affect your gums and teeth in ways that matter for your care.
From there, we move into a full exam of your teeth, gums, and bite. A member of our team may also take digital X-rays so we can see below the surface, including areas around the jaw and roots that are not visible during a visual exam. According to the CDC, a combination of good home care and regular professional visits is one of the most effective ways to prevent the tooth loss that untreated decay and gum disease can eventually cause.
Cleaning And Cavity Screening
Most first visits also include a professional cleaning, which removes the buildup that brushing and flossing alone cannot reach. We will screen for cavities and check your gums for early signs of disease, as catching these issues early often means simpler, more comfortable treatment down the road.
An Oral Cancer Screening
We also perform a quick oral cancer screening at this visit, checking your lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat for anything unusual. This only takes a few minutes, but it is one of the most important parts of a comprehensive exam.
Getting To Know Your Dental Benefits And Options
Before your appointment ends, we like to make sure you understand your coverage and payment options so there are no surprises. If you participate with a PPO plan, we file dental benefits claims on your behalf as a courtesy, and we are happy to walk through your patient portion ahead of time.
For patients who want a different approach to budgeting for care, we also offer several ways to make treatment more manageable. These include the following options:
- CareCredit: A healthcare credit line that can be used for a range of treatments.
- Cherry: A financing option with flexible payment plans for larger treatment needs.
- Smile Advantage membership: A plan designed for patients without dental benefits who still want predictable costs.
Whichever option fits your situation, our goal is for cost to never be the reason a needed appointment gets pushed aside.
What Makes Your First Visit Different With Dr. Peter Hazim?
Dr. Hazim has been practicing in Allen since 1999, and that kind of tenure in one community tends to shape how a first visit feels. He trained at Damascus University in Syria, continued his studies at the University René Descartes in Paris, France, and completed his prosthodontics training through an internship at the Loyola VA Hospital in Chicago before settling into practice here.
That international training shows up in how visits are approached, as prosthodontic training, in particular, means a closer look at how your teeth, bite, and jaw work together, even at a routine first exam. Our office also includes Dr. Nai-wen Chang, our periodontist, and Dr. Alberto Lazaro, another prosthodontist, so more complex needs identified at a first visit can often be addressed without sending you elsewhere.
Technology That Makes The Visit More Comfortable
We also use tools like the CEREC Primescan for digital impressions, which means fewer messy trays and a faster, more precise picture of your teeth if any restorative work comes up during your visit. For patients who need gum treatment, our soft tissue laser allows for a more comfortable experience than older methods.
Schedule Your First Visit With Dr. Peter Hazim
A first dental visit is really about building the foundation for your ongoing oral health, from a thorough exam and cleaning to a clear picture of your dental benefits and payment options. Dr. Hazim brings more than two decades of experience in Allen, along with international training in prosthodontics, supported by specialists like Dr. Chang and Dr. Lazaro who can step in when more specific care is needed.
If you have been putting off finding a dentist, there is no better time to get started than now. Our multilingual team is ready to answer your questions and help you feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. Please contact our office to schedule your first visit.
