What to expect at your first dental visit with us

Thinking about going to the dentist in Sunrise, Florida? We would love to see you.

My name is Dr. Rodriguez and I am the head dentist and owner of Designing Beautiful Smiles. 

At Designing Beautiful Smiles in Sunrise, FL, we believe your dental care is about more than just teeth it’s about health, comfort, confidence and overall well-being.

If you’re preparing for your first visit, here’s a simple guide so you can walk in prepared, feel at ease, and walk out with confidence.

Why is dental health important?

Your body is an integrated system that works incredibly together. Sometimes we think about different parts of the body separately, but they are all working together doing thousands of small actions to keep you alive, breathing and enjoying life.

When it comes to dental health you might just think about your teeth and how they look. But oral health includes your gums, your tongue, your entire mouth and it is a central part of your body since it is what helps you eat, breathe, talk, sing, smile, communicate!

So when we are talking about your dental health, we are talking about the health of everything that makes up your smile and mouth: 

Healthy teeth and gums support your heart, digestion, sleep, and even your immune system. When this area is not well, inflammation or infection in the mouth can affect the rest of your body over time including your sleep, your ability to eat, your confidence, etc.

That’s why taking care of your oral health isn’t just about preventing cavities — it’s about protecting your long-term health and quality of life.

What happens during your first appointment

Your first visit with us is all about building trust while getting a complete picture of your oral health. Here’s what you can expect:

• Office tour — We’ll show you around our space, introduce you to our team, and make sure you feel comfortable and familiar.
• Medical and dental history review — We’ll go through your health forms and talk about any past dental experiences or concerns.
• Digital X-rays (if needed) — These help us look beneath the surface to detect decay, bone loss, or hidden issues.
• Comprehensive exam — Dr. Nohora Rodríguez (me) and our team will check your teeth, gums, bite, and jaw. We’ll also scan your teeth digitally to better diagnose and plan your care.
• Professional cleaning — Unless there’s something urgent, you’ll leave with a fresh, deeply cleaned smile.
• Treatment planning — If something needs more attention, we’ll explain everything clearly and outline your next steps.

Every step of our appointment is meant to help you feel informed, safe, and cared for.

Questions to ask during your first visit

Your first appointment is a great opportunity to ask any questions you have and take steps to improve your routine around your oral health. Here are some questions we get a lot:

• How can I better take care of my teeth?
• Do I need to visit more than twice a year?
• What’s the best toothbrush or toothpaste for me?
• Do I show signs of clenching, grinding, or gum disease?

At Designing Beautiful Smiles, we love it when you bring us questions and we are happy to answer them and help you to build the best dental care routine for you. 

Nervous about the dentist? We are here for you. 

We understand that for many people, and for many reasons, walking into a dental office for the first time, or the first time in a while can be stressful. 

A couple of tips for the first time you are here:

 • Bring your dental insurance card and ID
• List any medications you’re currently taking
• Write down any dental concerns or questions so that you don’t forget them
• Arrive 15 minutes early for paperwork
• Brush and floss before coming in
• Share with us if you have dental anxiety or nerves — our team is here to listen and provide extra reassurance so that you feel heard and cared for

We want you to feel supported from the very first moment you walk through our doors.

Ready to schedule your first visit?

If you’ve been putting off your dental visit or just moved to the area, we’d love to welcome you to our office.

At Designing Beautiful Smiles in Sunrise, FL, your first visit is more than a checkup — it’s the beginning of a long-term relationship built on trust, understanding, and care.

Call us today or book online to schedule your first appointment.
We can’t wait to meet you and help you feel at home in your smile.