Your First Visit

What to Expect on Your First Visit

Walking into a new dental office for the first time can feel a little nerve-wracking, even for patients who keep up with their oral health. At Sorrento Dental Care, we want your first visit to feel less like an appointment and more like meeting family. Dr. Mojdeh Abbasian and her team have spent more than 15 years caring for patients throughout Sorrento Valley, La Jolla, Carmel Valley and the surrounding San Diego communities, and that experience shapes every part of how we welcome new faces through our doors.

If you are searching for a dentist in Sorrento Valley, San Diego, and wondering what your first visit will actually involve, this guide walks you through exactly what to expect, from the moment you check in to the moment you leave with a plan for healthier teeth.

Typical Steps for a New Patient

Before you even sit in the chair, our team will ask you to fill out some basic paperwork covering your medical history, insurance information and any current dental concerns. We accept all major PPO insurance plans, including Delta Dental, Cigna, Guardian, United Healthcare, Aetna, MetLife and several others, so most patients are able to use their existing coverage. If you have questions about your specific plan, our staff is happy to verify benefits ahead of time so there are no surprises.

We recommend arriving about 10 to 15 minutes early for your first visit to complete any remaining forms and get comfortable in our office. Many patients tell us the atmosphere here feels different than other dental offices they have visited. We offer headrest pillows, blankets, and headphones, and for patients who feel anxious, we also offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation options. Our goal is for every first visit to feel calm rather than clinical.

During Your First Visit

A first visit at Sorrento Dental Care typically includes a thorough dental exam, a review of your oral health history and a conversation about any goals or concerns you have, whether that is general maintenance, cosmetic improvements or addressing pain. Dr. Abbasian takes time to listen before recommending treatment, and no procedure moves forward until your questions have been answered and you feel comfortable with the plan.

Depending on your needs, your first visit may also include digital imaging using our iTero scanner or handheld X-ray equipment, both of which use significantly reduced radiation compared to older systems. We also perform an oral cancer screening as a standard part of new patient exams, since early detection makes a meaningful difference in outcomes.

If you are interested in Invisalign, let our team know during your first visit. Dr. Abbasian and her staff have helped many patients throughout Sorrento Valley and the Golden Triangle area achieve straighter smiles, and an initial consultation can determine whether Invisalign is a good fit for your particular case.

Our Approach to Patient Comfort

What sets a first visit here apart is the attention given to how patients feel, not just how their teeth look. Our team speaks multiple languages, which helps put a diverse range of patients at ease, and we take the time to explain procedures in plain language rather than rushing through clinical terms. Many of our patients have been with us for 10 years or more, and we treat every first visit as the start of that same kind of long-term relationship.

Whether you need a routine cleaning, restorative work like a crown or filling, or are exploring options like veneers or implant-supported dentures, our team will walk you through the recommended next steps clearly and without pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a first visit usually take?

Most first visits last between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on whether X-rays or additional screenings are needed.

What should I bring to my first visit?

Please bring a photo ID, your insurance card and a list of any current medications.

Will I need X-rays at my first visit?

In most cases, yes, unless you can provide recent X-rays from a previous dentist. This helps Dr. Abbasian get a complete picture of your oral health.

Is sedation available for anxious patients?

Yes. We offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation for patients who feel nervous about dental visits.

Do you treat children as well as adults?

Our practice welcomes patients of all ages and is happy to discuss family scheduling options.

Ready to Book Your First Visit?

If you have been putting off finding a trusted dentist in Sorrento Valley, San Diego, there is no better time to get started. Our team at Sorrento Dental Care is ready to make your first visit comfortable, informative and the beginning of a dental relationship built on trust. Call our office today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.