New Patient Exam
Your first step toward a healthier, more confident smile
Allure Family Dental & Specialty Group in Huntington Beach welcomes new patients with a comprehensive exam, digital X-rays, oral cancer screening, and a personalized treatment plan — all in your first visit. Dr. Franco Miele takes time to listen to your concerns, review your dental history, and explain every finding before recommending any treatment. Schedule your new patient exam or call 714-274-7736.
The Dental Exam: What to Expect
A clinical exam is more commonly referred to as a routine check up. A new patient exam lets our dentist essentially take inventory of the overall health of your mouth and teeth and diagnose any potential problems you may have.
A. The first thing we will check during the exam is your face and neck. Checking visually, we will look for any abnormalities, such as lumps, bumps or swelling.
B. Checking inside your mouth is next on the agenda. During this part of the check up our dentist will be looking for any abnormalities in the soft tissue, such as discolorations or ulcers on your lips, gums, tongue, palate and cheeks. We will also perform an oral cancer screening and will check your bite and your jaw joint for any problems.
Your first visit is intentionally thorough. Dr. Franco Miele doesn't just look for cavities — we evaluate your bite alignment, screen for TMJ dysfunction, assess gum pocket depths, and take a full set of baseline digital images. This comprehensive approach means we catch problems that a quick exam would miss.
We also review your complete medical history because conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and medications like blood thinners directly affect dental treatment planning.
Reviewed by Dr. Franco Miele · Allure Family Dental & Specialty Group, Huntington Beach
C. Next we'll check your gums and jawbone, as they are the foundation for your teeth. We will check them for any signs of gingivitis, gum disease and bone disease.
D. Checking your teeth comes next. We will be checking them for cavities and other problems. Finally, we will be sure to look specifically at any areas where you may have symptoms or concerns.
Digital Impressions
A clinical exam alone is often inadequate to detect all possible oral health issues. Many problems, such as those involving the teeth and jawbone, are not visible to the naked eye. Digital impressions are an important tool in providing a more detailed and precise view of what is happening inside your mouth and below the teeth and gums. They allow dentists to check for bone loss and assess the severity of gum disease. Digital impressions are crucial in detecting and diagnosing dental issues early on, leading to better treatment outcomes and improved oral health.
In addition to revealing any problems that were not visible during the clinical exam these initial digital impressions will also provide your dentist with a benchmark with which to compare against during your future visits.
What to Bring to Your First Appointment
- Driver's license
- Dental insurance card, if you have one
- List of medications you're taking
- Any questions or concerns
What to Expect From Your New Patient Visit
Your new patient exam is a comprehensive experience designed to give you complete clarity about your oral health and a clear path forward:
Comprehensive Health Assessment
A full clinical exam covering teeth, gums, bite, jaw, soft tissues, and oral cancer screening — giving your dentist a complete picture of your oral health.
Personalized Treatment Plan
A prioritized, transparent plan outlining any treatment needed, the order in which to address it, and clear estimates — with your input guiding every decision.
Early Problem Detection
Finding cavities, gum disease, and other issues when they are small means simpler, less expensive treatment and better long-term outcomes for your teeth.
Digital X-Rays
Low-radiation digital X-rays reveal hidden decay, bone levels, and structural issues invisible during a clinical exam — reviewed with you chairside in real time.
Comfortable Modern Office
Our office is designed for patient comfort, with a friendly team, modern technology, and a calm environment that makes every visit as easy as possible.
Common Concerns About Your First Dental Visit
New patients often share these concerns. Our team addresses each one with care and understanding.
"I haven't seen a dentist in years and I'm nervous about what you'll find"
You are not alone — many of our patients come to us after years away from dental care. Our team is trained to be non-judgmental and supportive. The first visit is simply about understanding where you are now and creating a realistic plan. There are no lectures, and treatment is always prioritized so the most important needs are addressed first.
"Will the exam be painful?"
A new patient exam is non-invasive and should not cause pain. The clinical exam involves visual inspection and gentle probing of the gums. Digital X-rays require only biting down on a small sensor for a few seconds. If you have dental anxiety, let us know — we offer sedation options and can adjust our approach to keep you comfortable.
"I don't have dental insurance — can I still come in?"
Absolutely. We welcome patients with and without insurance. For uninsured patients, we offer an in-house membership plan that covers preventive visits and provides discounts on treatment. We also offer flexible payment options so cost is never a barrier to getting the care you need.
Why a Comprehensive First Exam Matters
Skipping or delaying a thorough dental exam can allow small problems to grow into complex, expensive ones.
- Small cavities that could be filled in minutes can progress to root infections requiring root canal therapy or extraction
- Early gum disease (gingivitis) is completely reversible — but advanced periodontitis causes permanent bone loss
- Oral cancer has a significantly higher survival rate when detected early during a routine exam
- Bite misalignment and TMJ problems can cause chronic headaches, jaw pain, and accelerated tooth wear if not identified
Frequently Asked Questions About New Patient Exams
Yes. If you live in Huntington Beach or the surrounding area, we are accepting new patients. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
During your first visit, Dr. Franco Miele will perform a comprehensive exam of your teeth, gums, jawbone, and soft tissue. We will also take digital X-rays to get a complete picture of your oral health and develop a personalized treatment plan.
A new patient exam typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes. This allows time for digital X-rays, a thorough clinical exam, a discussion of your dental history, and a conversation about any treatment options.
No, dental insurance is not required. We welcome patients with and without insurance. If you have dental insurance, please bring your card so we can help maximize your benefits. We also offer flexible payment options for uninsured patients.
You can schedule your new patient appointment by calling our office at 714-274-7736 or by visiting our online booking page. We look forward to welcoming you!
In most cases, yes — a professional cleaning is included in your first visit. However, if Dr. Franco Miele identifies gum disease or significant tartar buildup below the gumline, a specialized deep cleaning may be recommended instead of a standard prophylaxis.
Yes. Our team verifies your insurance benefits before your visit so you know exactly what is covered and what your estimated out-of-pocket cost will be. No surprises at checkout.
No. Dr. Franco Miele will present all findings and recommendations, but you are never pressured into treatment. We prioritize needs by urgency so you can make informed decisions on your own timeline. Emergency issues are flagged immediately; everything else is planned according to your comfort and budget.
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute dental or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. A comprehensive dental exam is essential for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment planning. Consult Dr. Franco Miele or a qualified dental professional regarding any questions about your oral health. Individual results may vary.
Ready for Your New Patient Exam?
Take the first step toward a healthier smile. Schedule your comprehensive new patient exam today.