We Welcome New Patients
Whether you need an esthetic make-over, a full-mouth reconstruction, or a second opinion, please call our office to schedule an appointment. We treat individuals from all over the world and will even arrange for pickup from the Tallahassee, FL, airport if needed. During your visit to Oppenheim Signature Smiles, allow a little time to fit in some shopping and sight-seeing during your stay in historic Thomasville, GA. Visit Thomasville’s well-preserved, downtown, where you will enjoy the old world feel in a town that is continuing to progress and achieve big-city ideals. Plantations, museums and historic homes are located throughout Thomasville and offer glimpses into the grand Victorian era, during which Thomasville was known as the “Winter Resort of the South.” Whether here for a day trip or spending a relaxing few days, we’re sure you’ll find historic Thomasville is always worth the trip.
Knowing what to expect from your first visit to a dental office is an important part of making a patient’s experience more enjoyable. Prior to your arrival, our friendly team is available to answer any questions you may have. We will send (mail, fax or email) a “Get Acquainted” letter along with our practice package.
Included in the package you will find a practice philosophy letter, medical history form, demographic form, and financial policy form. All are to be completed and mailed / emailed to us prior to your initial visit.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a friendly team member. Together and confidentially, you will discuss your medical and dental history, as well as your goals and expectations regarding your smile. Ample time is allotted for each patient to insure that all of your questions and concerns are addressed.
In one of our treatment rooms we will begin the co-discovery process where we will utilize several diagnostic tools to adequately assess, document, and begin planning for your future dental needs.
Diagnostic Tools / Examination
- Intra-oral camera tour of your mouth – This will give you a first-hand view of the condition of your gums, teeth and fillings on a 36″ color TV screen in each treatment room.
- Oral cancer examination – Extra-oral and intra-oral exam to rule out any potential pathology.
- TMJ and Masticatory muscle palpation
- Occlusion / Bite classification and analysis
- Periodontal examination – exact measurement to within a half to a full millimeter of periodontal pocketing and recession. Evaluation of gingival tissue tone, texture and color, furcation involvement, attached gingivae and fremitus.
- Hard tissue exam – examination, charting and analysis of existing fillings and any new decay.
Full Mouth X-Ray Series (FMX)
If your prior dental experience did not include a FMX or the FMX is not complete or diagnostic in nature, then we recommend another. This is a crucial procedure because according to the ADA, dental pathology is visible on 90% of FMXs’.
We have believed in and enforced eco-friendliness in our office for many years. Our office has utilized digitized radiography for over 10 years which means no lead or toxic X-ray developing solution disposal. Your x-rays are no longer featured on film or processed with chemicals that are unsafe for the environment, but instead are taken by the computer.
Diagnostic Models
Study models or an “imprint” of your teeth will be taken for the clinician to thoroughly diagnose your occlusion / bite and esthetics and determine the best position and outcome of your individual dental needs.
Diagnostic Photographs
A series of diagnostic photographs will be taken from various angles for future evaluation, analysis and comparison. These photos will allow you to understand how others are able to see you from many points of view in your daily life, as you laugh, smile and speak. The photographs also help us achieve the optimal, individualized outcome for which we strive for each patient.
Once Dr. Oppenheim completes the examination, he will study the diagnostic information and assimilate a comprehensive treatment plan exclusive to his extensive training and knowledge in this field. He will then discuss his findings and present you with a personalized treatment plan, along with alternatives. Sometimes, based upon Dr. Oppenheim’s findings, a second consultation will be recommended. Before any treatment is initiated, Dr. Oppenheim will make certain you feel all of your concerns have been addressed and each of your questions have been adequately answered. Further, you do not need to worry about feeling rushed into accepting any sort of treatment.
Dr. Oppenheim’s approach to dental care is based on his philosophy that education is the best form of preventive medicine. Preventive dentistry is substantially less expensive than any other alternative. Not to mention, an informed patient feels a decreased degree of apprehension and fear in regards to his/her dental visits. Your personalized treatment plan will serve as a blueprint, and we will follow it as it was outlined during the consultation visit. We also make certain to address your individual level of comfort at each visit.