Comprehensive Patient Appointment

This appointment is typically scheduled for new patients to our practice or for patients we have not seen in over two years. Because of the comprehensive nature of our philosophy and evaluation, we reserve approximately two hours for this visit.

During this appointment, you can expect:

• A detailed discussion about your dental history, concerns, and goals

• Digital X-rays (as needed for proper diagnosis)

• Clinical examination

• Intraoral photographs

• Evaluation of teeth, gums, bone, and overall oral health

You will first meet with one of our hygienists for a thorough evaluation of your bone and gum health. Depending on what we find, you may receive a traditional cleaning during this visit. If more specialized care is needed, we will review our findings and discuss the best approach to help restore your oral health. This may include returning for more in-depth hygiene appointments such as deep cleanings and adjunctive therapies designed to support healing and long-term stability.

You will also meet with Dr. Lamb, who will review your X-rays, perform a head and neck exam, and evaluate your oral cavity. Because the mouth is often a window into overall health, additional findings may indicate the need for further evaluation in areas such as:

• TMJ (Jaw Joint Function)

• Sleep and Airway

• Bite and Function

• Craniofacial Alignment

If additional concerns are identified, we will discuss whether further evaluation would be beneficial to better understand the condition and its severity.

Once a treatment plan is developed that aligns with your goals, you will meet with our administrative team to review scheduling and financial options. We encourage open communication so we can help you move forward in a way that is comfortable and manageable for you.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Emergency Exam

An emergency exam is a problem-focused appointment designed to address your most immediate concern.

During this visit, we focus primarily on:

• Identifying the source of pain or discomfort

• Taking limited X-rays as needed

• Providing a diagnosis and immediate recommendations

At this appointment, we may:

• Prescribe medication if appropriate

• Provide limited treatment if possible

• Refer to a specialist if necessary

Because this is a focused visit, comprehensive evaluation is typically not performed at this time. Once we determine the best course of action, our administrative team will review costs and help schedule treatment as needed.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) evaluation

This specialized examination is designed for patients experiencing:

• Jaw popping or clicking

• Jaw pain

• Headaches

• Muscle tension

• Bite discomfort

• Limited jaw opening

During this evaluation, we assess the severity of symptoms and identify potential underlying causes. This appointment may include:

• Joint evaluation

• Muscle evaluation

• Postural photographs

• Bite analysis

• Functional testing

In many cases, TMJ symptoms may be related to airway or sleep-related issues. If this appears to be a contributing factor, we will discuss further evaluation and treatment options.

Our goal is to identify the root cause of the problem and provide treatment options designed to improve comfort, function, and long-term stability.

sleep, breathing & airway Evaluation

This is a specialized and more in-depth evaluation focused on airway health, breathing, and sleep quality. Many patients with sleep and breathing concerns also experience TMJ symptoms, and when present, addressing joint health may be an important first step in treatment.

Prior to this evaluation, a home sleep study is typically completed to assess sleep quality and severity of breathing disturbances.

This comprehensive evaluation may include:

• Postural photographs

• 3D CBCT imaging to evaluate airway and craniofacial structures

• Intraoral photographs

• TMJ evaluation

• Bite and functional evaluation

• Airway analysis

Additional testing may be recommended depending on what is discovered during the evaluation.

Following the records appointment, Dr. Lamb will carefully review all findings. A separate consultation will then be scheduled to discuss:

• Key findings

• Contributing factors

• Treatment options

• Expected outcomes

If treatment is desired, our administrative team will review financial options and scheduling so you can move forward comfortably.