Walking into a new dental office for the first time can feel a little overwhelming. You might wonder: What will they find? Will it hurt? How long will it take?
At ABC Dental Chicago, proudly serving Logan Square, Belmont Cragin, and surrounding neighborhoods, we believe that knowing exactly what to expect is the best way to turn those questions into confidence. That’s why we created this step‑by‑step guide to your first visit. By the time you walk through our doors, you’ll already feel like a patient – not a stranger.
Meet Your Doctors
Your first visit may be with one of our skilled general dentists or our board‑certified orthodontist, depending on your needs.
- Dr. Nada Zayzafoon – General dentist & clear aligner specialist
- Dr. Ankur Shah – General dentist & clear aligner specialist
- Dr. JianJun Hao – Board‑certified orthodontist
Together, they offer everything from routine cleanings to advanced orthodontics – all under one roof.
What to Expect from Start to Finish
Your first appointment is about one thing: getting to know you and your smile. We don’t rush. We listen. And we explain everything before we do it.
Here is what a typical first visit looks like at our Chicago dental office.
1. Warm Welcome & Paperwork (15‑20 minutes)
When you arrive, our front desk team will greet you with a smile. You’ll be asked to complete a few quick forms:
- Medical history
- Dental history and any concerns
- Insurance information (if applicable)
- Emergency contact
Don’t have time to fill them out in the office?
You can download our new patient forms from our website and bring them already completed. Just give us a call, and we’ll email you the link.
2. Private Consultation with the Dentist (10‑15 minutes)
Before any examination, you’ll meet one of our doctors – likely Dr. Zayzafoon or Dr. Shah for general care, or Dr. Hao if you’re visiting for orthodontics. We’ll ask about:
- Any pain, sensitivity, or cosmetic goals
- Past dental experiences (good or bad)
- Any medical conditions or medications
This is also your chance to ask anything. No question is too small. Do you feel nervous about dental visits? Let us know. We have gentle techniques and even sedation options to help you relax.
3. Comprehensive Oral Examination (15‑20 minutes)
Our dentist will perform a thorough, gentle exam that includes:
- Checking each tooth for decay, cracks, or wear
- Gum evaluation (looking for signs of gum disease)
- Oral cancer screening (quick, painless, and lifesaving)
- Bite and jaw joint assessment (TMJ)
We use modern, low‑radiation digital X‑rays only when necessary – and we’ll explain why we need them before taking any.
4. Professional Dental Cleaning (30 minutes)
If your gums are healthy and you have no major pain, we’ll usually perform a cleaning on the same day. Our hygienist will:
- Remove plaque and tartar (scaling)
- Polish your teeth with gentle paste
- Floss and give you personalized home‑care tips
Does a cleaning hurt?
Most patients feel only light pressure. If you have sensitive teeth, let us know – we can use numbing gel or adjust our technique.
5. Personalized Treatment Plan & Q&A (10‑15 minutes)
After the exam and cleaning, the dentist will sit down with you again to discuss:
- What we found (good news and any concerns)
- Recommended treatments, if any
- A clear timeline and cost estimate
- Your insurance coverage and payment options
If you’re interested in clear aligners (like Invisalign), Dr. Zayzafoon or Dr. Shah can explain how they straighten teeth without braces. For more complex bite issues, Dr. Hao – our board‑certified orthodontist – will step in.
We never pressure you into treatment. You decide what’s right for your health and budget.
How Long Does the First Visit Take?
Plan on 60 to 90 minutes total. If you need extensive X‑rays or a deep cleaning, it may run closer to 90 minutes. We’ll always let you know ahead of time.
What Should You Bring?
- Your insurance card (if you have dental coverage)
- A list of current medications and dosages
- Any previous dental X‑rays (we can also request them from your old dentist)
- A form of ID
What If You Have Dental Anxiety?
You are not alone. Many of our patients feel nervous before their first visit. Here is how we help:
- Explain‑first approach – you’ll never hear “open wide” without knowing why.
- Gentle numbing gels and warm blankets
- TV or music during your cleaning
- Nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) for those who want extra relaxation
Just tell us when you book your appointment – “I’m anxious” – and we’ll take extra care.
Payment & Insurance – No Surprises
We accept most major dental insurance plans and will file your claims for you. Before any treatment, we give you a clear breakdown of:
- What insurance covers
- Your out‑of‑pocket cost
- Any payment plan options (including Cherry Credit and payment plans)
No insurance? Ask about our financing options and payment plans.
Proudly Serving Logan Square & Belmont Cragin
Whether you live near the Logan Square Blue Line stop, on Milwaukee Avenue, or in the heart of Belmont Cragin, we’re your local dental home. Our patients come to us for:
- Convenient appointments before or after work
- A team that knows the neighborhood
- No‑judgment, family‑first care
Ready to Experience the ABC Dental Difference?
Your first visit is the beginning of a partnership – not a one‑time transaction. We’re proud to serve Chicago families with honest, gentle, and modern dentistry.
Call us today: (773) 481-2200 or book online here
Visit us: 4608 W. Diversey, Chicago IL 60639 – easy to reach from Logan Square and Belmont Cragin.
Frequently Asked Questions About First Visits
Q: Do I need a referral to become a new patient?
A: No – we welcome self‑referrals, families, and patients transferring from other dentists.
Q: Can I bring my child for their first visit at the same time?
A: Absolutely. We see patients of all ages. Let us know when you book so we can reserve enough time.
Q: What if I haven’t seen a dentist in years?
A: That is actually very common. We never judge. We simply meet you where you are and create a plan to get your smile healthy again – one step at a time.
Q: Will you do a full mouth X‑ray on my first visit?
A: Only if it’s medically necessary (e.g., you have no recent X‑rays). We follow ALARA guidelines – “as low as reasonably achievable” – for radiation safety.
Q: Which doctor will I see?
A: For general checkups and cleanings, you’ll typically see Dr. Zayzafoon or Dr. Shah. For braces or complex aligner cases, Dr. Hao will lead your care. If you have a preference, just let us know when you book.
Your smile is always welcome at ABC Dental Chicago. We look forward to meeting you – whether you’re from Logan Square, Belmont Cragin, or anywhere else in Chicago.