Your first visit to Richmond Center for Advanced Dentistry sets the foundation for your care experience, whether you’re a parent bringing in your child, a teen exploring treatment options, or an adult looking to improve your oral health. Today’s patients expect clarity, convenience, and comfort, and with rising zero-click rates and AI Overview search behavior, people want fast, direct answers. This page gives you exactly that: a clear overview of what happens during your initial appointment and how to prepare for a smooth, stress-free visit.
During your first visit, Dr. Ali Byrd will guide you through a personalized consultation. This appointment includes a complete overview of your diagnosis, discussion of treatment options, and time set aside to answer your questions. For many patients, certain treatments may even be performed the same day. However, if you have a more complex medical history or a procedure requiring additional planning, Dr. Byrd may schedule treatment for a follow-up visit to ensure the highest level of precision, safety, and patient comfort.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Your first visit is designed to help you feel informed, confident, and supported from the moment you arrive. Here’s what typically happens:
1. Comprehensive Consultation
Dr. Byrd will review your oral health, discuss any concerns, and go over treatment options tailored to your needs. This includes reviewing any previous records, evaluating current symptoms, and exploring long-term goals. You’ll leave with a clear roadmap of next steps and expected outcomes.
2. Same-Day Treatment When Possible
When appropriate, minor treatments or simple procedures may be completed during your consultation appointment. More complex treatment plans, or cases involving specific medical considerations, may require a second visit.
What to Bring to Your First Visit
To help us provide the best care, and keep your appointment efficient, please bring the following items with you:
- Referral slip from your previous dentist or specialist, if applicable
- Any recent X-rays, especially if taken within the last six months
- A current medication list, including prescriptions, supplements, or over-the-counter medications
- Dental or medical insurance information, along with completed forms to streamline claims processing
Bringing this information helps us reduce wait times, improve diagnostic accuracy, and provide treatment options quickly.
Important Information for Parents and Guardians
A parent or legal guardian must be present for all patients under the age of 18 during the consultation visit. This ensures that we can review treatment plans, medical histories, and consent forms together, providing clarity and support for younger patients and their families.
Medical Conditions to Share With Our Team
Certain medical conditions can impact your dental care and should be communicated to our team prior to any procedure. Please let us know if you have:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Artificial heart valves or joints
- Rheumatic fever
- A history of endocarditis
- Any condition requiring pre-medication
- Any history of blood thinner use (e.g., anticoagulants, aspirin)
- Heart medications or other chronic prescriptions
Sharing this information ensures your treatment is both safe and personalized. If you’re unsure about whether something is relevant, just ask. We are here to help.
X-Rays and Diagnostic Imaging
Clear and current diagnostic images are an essential part of your first visit. If your previous dentist has taken X-rays within the last six months, please request that they forward them to our office. If time doesn’t permit digital transfer, you may bring them with you in person.
If additional images are needed, or if your existing films aren’t recent enough, we can take new digital X-rays during your visit using our in-office technology.
Why We Take X-Rays
Digital X-rays play a critical role in identifying issues that cannot be seen during a visual exam. These may include:
- Decay between teeth
- Bone loss or periodontal concerns
- Root structure problems
- Cysts, tumors, or infection
- Trauma-related damage
High-quality imaging ensures we start your treatment journey with accurate information, supporting long-term oral health for patients of all ages, children, teens, and adults.
Your First Visit, Simplified
At Richmond Center for Advanced Dentistry, we’re committed to making your first appointment as smooth and stress-free as possible. Clear communication, advanced diagnostics, and a patient-first approach ensure that you feel informed and confident every step of the way.