What to Expect at Your First Appointment
At PrimeCare Family Dental, we treat every patient like family. Your first visit is relaxed, thorough, and focused entirely on your comfort and oral health.
Your first visit, from start to finish
We believe knowing what to expect makes your visit more comfortable. Here's a detailed walkthrough of your first appointment at PrimeCare Family Dental.
What to bring to your first appointment
How long does your first visit take?
Total first visit time: approximately 75–120 minutes. We recommend scheduling mid-morning or early afternoon when possible.
After Your Visit
Once your exam, X-rays, and cleaning are complete, Dr. Palaparthi will walk you through what she found and explain any recommended next steps in plain language — no pressure, no surprise treatment. If follow-up care is needed, our team will help you schedule it at whichever office is easiest for you, whether that's our Lawrence, Indianapolis location on Pendleton Pike or our 86th Street, Indianapolis location on Purdue Rd.
You'll leave with a written treatment plan (if one is needed), an estimate of costs, and any home care instructions specific to what we found — for example, tips on a spot that needs extra brushing attention or a follow-up cleaning interval.
Cost & Insurance for Your First Visit
New patients can take advantage of our $99 Comprehensive Exam special, which includes a full exam and professional X-rays — at both our Lawrence, Indianapolis (Pendleton Pike) and 86th Street, Indianapolis (Purdue Rd) locations.
We accept most PPO dental insurance plans and Medicaid for children, and we'll verify your benefits before your visit so there are no surprises. If you don't have insurance, we offer flexible payment plans to make care affordable.
First Visit FAQs
Will my first visit hurt?
No — your first visit is an exam and cleaning, not a treatment appointment. If we find something that needs attention, we'll discuss options with you before doing anything further, so there's no pressure and no surprises.
Do I need X-rays at my first visit?
Yes, in most cases. Low-radiation digital X-rays let us see between teeth and below the gumline to catch issues a visual exam alone would miss. If you've had recent X-rays elsewhere, bring copies or let us know — we may be able to use those instead.
What if I'm nervous about going to the dentist?
You're not alone, and our team is used to working with anxious patients. Let us know when you book or check in, and we'll walk you through each step as we go and adjust the pace to what's comfortable for you.
Can I book my first visit at either location?
Yes. New patients are welcome at both our Lawrence, Indianapolis office on Pendleton Pike and our 86th Street, Indianapolis office on Purdue Rd — pick whichever is more convenient, and your records will be available at both.
I'm switching from another dentist — what should I bring?
Bring a photo ID, your insurance card, a list of current medications, and any recent X-rays or treatment records if you have them. If you're not able to get records transferred beforehand, we can still get started — we'll just take new X-rays as part of your first visit.
Ready to schedule your first visit?
Same-week appointments available at both Indianapolis locations. Call us or book online — we’d love to welcome you to the PrimeCare family.