Why Choose Rubino Periodontics for Your New Patient Exam?
Not all first dental visits are created equal. Here’s what makes ours different:
- Three generations of Rubino periodontists — Drs. Thomas, Ryan, and Tyler Rubino — bring decades of combined specialty expertise to every exam
- Board-certified periodontists with advanced training far beyond what a general dental checkup covers
- On-site cone beam 3D CT scanner for precision imaging used during the same visit
- A second appointment is included at no extra charge to review findings and answer all your questions in detail
- $79 new patient special — comprehensive periodontal exam with a usual value of $529
What is the Purpose of a New Patient Periodontal Exam?
A new patient periodontal exam is a comprehensive evaluation of your gum health, bone levels, teeth, and oral tissues — performed by a specialist trained specifically in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease. Unlike a general dental checkup, this exam uses advanced diagnostics like 3D imaging and detailed periodontal charting to detect early signs of gum disease, bone loss, infection, and implant-related concerns that routine visits often miss.
What Does a New Patient Dental Exam Usually Include?
Your visit covers far more than a standard cleaning appointment. Here’s what’s included:
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Full review of your dental and medical history, including medications and systemic health factors
Digital X-rays: low radiation, instant results, clear imaging of every section of your bite
Panoramic X-ray of your full mouth (as needed) for a broader structural view
Cone beam 3D CT scan (as needed): a 360-degree 3D view of your skull, jaw, and teeth
Periodontal probing and charting: gentle measurement of pocket depths to assess gum disease
Oral cancer screening
Evaluation of loose, missing, broken-down, and drifting teeth
Gum recession assessment and tissue health evaluation
Personalized treatment plan developed from all findings
- Full review of your dental and medical history, including medications and systemic health factors
- Digital X-rays: low radiation, instant results, clear imaging of every section of your bite
- Panoramic X-ray of your full mouth (as needed) for a broader structural view
- Cone beam 3D CT scan (as needed): a 360-degree 3D view of your skull, jaw, and teeth
- Periodontal probing and charting: gentle measurement of pocket depths to assess gum disease
- Oral cancer screening
- Evaluation of loose, missing, broken-down, and drifting teeth
- Gum recession assessment and tissue health evaluation
- Personalized treatment plan developed from all findings
Benefits of Starting with a Periodontal Exam
A specialist exam catches what general checkups often miss. The benefits go well beyond that first appointment:
- Early detection of gum disease before it progresses to bone loss or tooth loss
- Precise baseline data that tracks changes in your gum and bone health over time
- Implant candidacy evaluation built right into the exam — no separate consultation needed
- Personalized treatment planning that coordinates with your general dentist or prosthodontist
- Peace of mind from knowing your periodontal health has been thoroughly evaluated
- Access to advanced imaging and diagnostics that most general practices don’t have in-house
- A team that listens — patients consistently comment on how the Rubino doctors take time to understand their goals
Who Should Schedule a New Patient Exam?
This exam is the right starting point for a wide range of patients:
- Anyone referred by their general dentist for a periodontal evaluation
- Patients experiencing bleeding gums, gum tenderness, or persistent bad breath
- Anyone who has noticed gum recession or teeth that look longer than before
- Patients considering dental implants who need a full candidacy evaluation
- Those who haven’t had a periodontal checkup in several years
- Patients with diabetes, heart disease, or other systemic conditions linked to gum health
- Anyone who wants a second opinion on a proposed periodontal treatment plan
Ready to get started? New patients can take advantage of our $79 comprehensive exam special (usual value: $529). Call your nearest location: Bradenton: 941-209-5052 | Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch: 941-201-3055 | Parrish: 813-331-5845
The New Patient Exam Process at Rubino Periodontics & Implant Dentistry
Here’s exactly what to expect from the moment you walk in:
Step 1: Warm Welcome & Check-In
One of our friendly staff members will help you complete your initial new patient dental exam paperwork and will answer any of your questions. You will then be taken to a treatment room, where one of our clinical staff will interview you about your health and teeth history, what dentistry issues you want to address, and any concerns you may have.
Step 2: Health & Dental History Review
A clinical team member will go through your medical and dental history in detail — covering past dental experiences, current medications, systemic health conditions, and any concerns you want to address. This context shapes everything that follows.
Step 3: Digital X-Rays
We start the new patient diagnostics by taking digital X-rays of your teeth. Our digital X-ray machines use only a fraction of the radiation emitted by traditional X-ray equipment. The images are much clearer than film X-rays and are available in seconds.
We will take X-rays of each section of your bite. Depending on the circumstances, we will also take a panoramic X-ray of your whole mouth.
Step 4: 3D Cone Beam CT Scan (If Needed)
When more detail is required — for implant planning, bone grafting assessment, or suspected infections — we use our on-site cone beam CT scanner. This produces a full 3D, 360-degree view of your jaw and teeth that can be examined from any angle.
Step 5: Comprehensive Oral & Periodontal Exam
Your periodontist will conduct a thorough clinical examination: pocket depth probing, gum recession assessment, oral cancer screening, and evaluation of all teeth for damage, mobility, or bone support issues. This is the heart of what separates a periodontal exam from a routine checkup.
Step 6: Treatment Plan Development
All the information obtained during your exam will be closely reviewed to carefully develop a treatment plan to effectively address your particular situation. Part of the planning process is to consult with the general dentist or prosthodontist who will be working with Rubino Periodontics and Implant Dentistry to meet your dental goals. This may include the fabrication of new replacement teeth or treatment options if dental implants are part of the plan.
Step 7: Dedicated Discussion Appointment
A second appointment is scheduled at no extra cost specifically to walk through your findings, explain every treatment option in plain language, and answer all your questions. You’ll leave fully informed and comfortable making decisions.
Caring for Your Gum Health After Your Exam
Your first visit is just the beginning. Staying on track between appointments makes a real difference:
- Follow any home care recommendations from your periodontist
- Use any prescribed rinses or gels as directed, especially after active treatment begins
- Keep your general dentist in the loop for maintaining good oral health when using multiple dental specialists for different purposes
- Stay consistent with follow-up periodontal maintenance visits (typically every three to four months for active disease)
- Watch for warning signs between visits: bleeding, swelling, loosening teeth, or changes in bite
- Avoid smoking, as it significantly impairs gum healing and increases disease progression risk
