If it has been a while since you saw a dentist, the first visit is usually the hardest part — not because of anything that happens in the chair, but because of what you imagine might. This article walks through exactly what happens when a new patient comes to Pacific Dental & Implants at 6318 Pacific Blvd in Huntington Park, so there are no surprises.
Before you arrive
Call (323) 588-4869 or request an appointment online. Tell us if you have pain — we hold time each day for emergencies. Bring a photo ID, your insurance card or Denti-Cal BIC, and a list of medications you take. Park for free in the lot behind the building; you do not need to look for street parking on Pacific Blvd.
The first 15 minutes
You will fill out a short health history (in English or Spanish). If you have Denti-Cal or a PPO plan, we verify your benefits while you do that, so by the time you sit down we already know what your plan covers.
The exam
Dr. Saedi examines every tooth, checks your gums, screens for oral cancer, and looks at any X-rays we take. Digital X-rays use a fraction of the radiation of older film systems and show up on a screen in seconds. If you have a specific problem — a broken tooth, a sore spot, a loose denture — that is where he starts.
The conversation
This is the part patients remember. Dr. Saedi shows you what he found, on the screen, and explains what it means in plain language. If treatment is needed, you receive a written plan with each item listed separately and what your insurance is expected to pay. Nothing is done that day that you have not agreed to.
The cleaning
When your gums are healthy enough, a cleaning is done at the same visit so you leave with a fresh start. If gum disease is present, we schedule a deep cleaning instead and explain why.
How long it takes
Plan on about an hour for a new-patient visit with a cleaning. Emergency visits are shorter and focus on getting you out of pain.
Nervous? You are in the majority
A large share of our reviews come from people who describe themselves as terrified of the dentist. Tell us. We go slower, explain more, and stop whenever you raise a hand. Several of those patients now drive in from an hour away.
FAQ
Q: Do I need insurance to be seen?
No. We accept cash, cards, Apple Pay, Zelle and Venmo, and monthly payment plans are available for larger treatment.
Q: Can I bring my kids to the same appointment?
Yes. Ask for back-to-back family appointments; Saturdays are popular for this.
Q: Is the office open on Saturday?
Yes, 9 AM to 4 PM. We are closed Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
