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New Patients Are Always Welcome
Here is exactly what your first visit looks like, what to bring and how we handle insurance — so there are no surprises, and no pressure.
Se habla español · Serving Downey, Pico Rivera, South Gate, Bellflower & nearby
Your first visit, step by step
Plan on about an hour. Nothing irreversible happens at a first visit — we look, we listen, and we explain.
- Arrive about 15 minutes early so we can get your paperwork and insurance sorted without eating into your appointment.
- Comprehensive exam and X-rays. We check every tooth, your gums, your bite and your jaw joints, and perform an oral cancer screening.
- We show you what we see. On a screen, in plain language — not jargon.
- A written plan and estimate. What needs doing for health reasons, what is optional, what it costs and what your insurance is expected to cover.
- A cleaning where time and gum health allow. If your gums need deep cleaning, we will explain why and schedule it properly rather than rushing it.
What to bring
- Photo ID and your insurance, Denti-Cal or Medi-Cal card
- A list of medications and any medical conditions (this genuinely changes how we treat you)
- Recent X-rays from a previous dentist, if you have them — it can save you a retake
- For children: a parent or guardian, and the name of their paediatrician
- Your questions. Write them down — people forget them in the chair, every time.
In pain? Call, do not wait for an opening
If you are in pain, have swelling, or have broken or knocked out a tooth, tell us when you call. We keep room for dental emergencies and will get you seen as quickly as we can — you do not need to be an existing patient.
Nervous about the dentist? Say so
A large share of our new patients have not seen a dentist in years, often because of a bad experience somewhere else. Tell us at the start. We will go slower, explain before we do anything, and stop when you need us to. If that is not enough, ask about sedation options.
Nobody here is going to lecture you about the gap since your last visit. We are interested in what happens next.
Request an appointment with Dr. Sameer Aljanedi in Downey — book online or call our team. We welcome new patients, accept most PPO & HMO plans plus Denti-Cal and Medi-Cal, and se habla español.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How long is the first appointment?
Usually about an hour. That covers a comprehensive exam, any necessary X-rays, a discussion of what we found, and a cleaning when gum health and time allow.
Do you accept my insurance?
We accept most PPO and HMO plans, plus Denti-Cal and Medi-Cal. Call with your plan details and we will verify your benefits before you come in — see our <a href="/insurance-denti-cal/">insurance page</a> for more.
Can I be seen the same day if I am in pain?
Often, yes. We hold time for emergencies. Call (562) 928-5559 early in the day and describe the problem — pain, swelling or trauma moves to the front of the queue.
Do you treat children?
Yes. We see the whole family, which means one trip instead of three. Our team is used to first visits for young children — see <a href="/pedodontics/">children’s dentistry</a>.
¿Hablan español?
Sí. Se habla español — our team is bilingual, and you can ask for anything to be explained in Spanish, including your treatment plan and cost estimate.
What if I have not been to a dentist in years?
You are in good company, and you will not be judged for it. We start with an honest picture of where things stand and prioritise from there — usually comfort and health first, everything else later.