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Your first visit, with your dentist.
At Irvine Dentistry, your first appointment isn't built around a few minutes with the dentist at the end. Dr. Lee personally performs your cleaning and exam, giving you time throughout the visit to ask questions and understand what she sees.
What to expect at your first visit
Your first appointment gives Dr. Lee time to understand your oral health, answer your questions, and establish a starting point for future care.
- Get settled. Share your health history, concerns, and anything you’d like us to focus on.
- Digital X-rays, if needed. Images help evaluate areas that aren’t visible during the exam.
- Your cleaning. Dr. Lee personally performs your routine cleaning when clinically appropriate.
- A thorough exam. A closer look at your teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health.
- Time for questions. Talk through the findings and what they mean for you.
- Next steps. We want you to feel confident in your care. If treatment is needed, we will help you explore your options, estimated costs, and insurance coverage before you decide.
More than a quick check-in with the dentist
At many dental offices, the dentist joins the appointment near the end. At Irvine Dentistry, Dr. Lee is directly involved throughout your preventive visit. She performs your cleaning, completes your exam, and talks through what she sees with you.
More time to ask questions
You don't have to save everything for the final few minutes of the appointment.
One dentist who gets to know you
Dr. Lee is the sole dentist at Irvine Dentistry, allowing for continuity from one visit to the next.
Clear explanations
If Dr. Lee sees something that needs attention, she'll explain what it is, what the options are, and why she recommends a particular approach.
No dental insurance? Your first visit is straightforward.
Includes, when clinically appropriate:
- ✓ Thorough exam with Dr. Lee
- ✓ Necessary digital x-rays
- ✓ Routine cleaning performed by Dr. Lee
- ✓ Time to review findings and ask questions
If Dr. Lee determines that you need periodontal treatment rather than a routine cleaning, we'll explain the recommended care and cost before proceeding.
Includes:
- ✓ Emergency exam with Dr. Lee
- ✓ Digital x-rays
Does not include a cleaning. If treatment is needed, we'll review your options and a cost estimate before anything is scheduled. Emergency dentistry.
Using dental insurance?
We work with many PPO dental plans and can help you understand how your benefits may apply to your visit. Coverage varies by plan, so contact us if you'd like us to check your specific insurance before your appointment.
Haven't been to the dentist in a while?
That's okay. Start where you are. Dr. Lee will take a look, explain what she sees, and help you understand the next step. You don't need to know what kind of appointment or treatment you need before you come in.
If a routine cleaning is appropriate, Dr. Lee can perform it. If you need a different type of periodontal care, she'll explain why before anything is scheduled.
What to bring
- Photo ID
- Dental insurance information, if applicable
- Current medication list
- Any questions or concerns you want to discuss
What a first visit has been like
“What stood out to me at my first visit was how gentle and detail-oriented she was when she was looking at my teeth. I was a bit nervous my first time as well, but Dr. Lee was happy to answer all my questions and walk me through her entire process.”
“Dr Lee will spend time with you & answer your questions. You'd never feel like you being rushed out because another patient is waiting.”
Questions new patients ask
Will Dr. Lee do my cleaning?
For routine preventive cleanings, Dr. Lee personally performs the cleaning herself. If your gums require a different type of periodontal treatment, she'll explain what she recommends and why.
Will I see Dr. Lee during my first visit?
Yes. Irvine Dentistry is a single-dentist practice, and Dr. Lee is directly involved in your care.
How long does a first visit take?
About an hour. A first visit after a long gap generally runs longer than a routine check-up.
What if I haven't been to a dentist in years?
No problem. Dr. Lee will take a look, explain what she sees, and help you understand the next step — you don't need to work out what kind of appointment you need beforehand.
Do you accept my insurance?
We work with many PPO dental plans. Coverage varies by plan, so call with your details and we can talk through how your benefits may apply.
Ready for a dental visit with more time for you?
Schedule your first visit with Dr. Lee.