Patient information
Everything you need before your first visit
No clipboards ambushing you at the door and no mystery about how long you will be here. Here is exactly how a new patient appointment works.
Your first appointment, step by step
Plan on about seventy-five minutes. We begin with a conversation about your history, any pain or concerns, and what you want from a dental practice. Digital X-rays and intraoral photographs follow, then a full examination including periodontal charting and an oral cancer screening.
In most cases a cleaning is completed at the same visit. If your gum health calls for a different type of cleaning, we will explain why and schedule accordingly rather than doing something that will not help.
You leave with a written summary of findings, a prioritized plan, and an estimate — including what your insurance is expected to cover.
What to bring
A photo ID, your dental insurance card, a list of current medications and supplements, and the name of your physician. If you have had X-rays elsewhere in the past year, ask that office to forward them and we will avoid retaking them.
If you are anxious about dental visits, tell us when you book. It changes how we pace the appointment, and it is far more useful to us than a brave face.
Comfort and accessibility
Treatment rooms are quiet, ground-floor accessible, and equipped with headphones and blankets. We use topical anesthetic before every injection and check in constantly during longer procedures. A raised hand always stops treatment.
Nitrous oxide is available for patients who need help relaxing. Discuss it at your consultation and we will plan transport arrangements if needed.
Appointments, cancellations and records
We send reminders by text and email. If you need to reschedule, forty-eight hours of notice lets us offer the slot to someone waiting for emergency care.
Your records belong to you. Request a copy at any time and we will transfer them promptly, including images.
Office hours
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Friday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM · Saturday: By appointment · Sunday: Closed
We are located at 4300 Kings Highway, Suite 401, Port Charlotte, FL 33980, with free surface parking directly outside the entrance.
Related pages
Become a patient
New patients are welcome at Charlotte Harbor Dental. Call us or send a message and we will find a time that works.