Comprehensive Diagnostics, a Thorough Doctor Exam, and Personalized Care
At Charleston Dental Studio, a wellness visit is more than a routine checkup. It combines advanced diagnostic technology, a comprehensive exam with Dr. Driscoll, and dedicated time with our hygienist to talk through your health and cosmetic goals — so you leave with a clear picture of where your oral health stands and what we recommend. This visit takes about two hours, and the investment ranges from $500 to $600.
Diagnostics That Give Us the Full Picture
Every wellness visit begins with a full set of diagnostic imaging, so nothing is missed. We use digital X-rays and, when appropriate, panoramic or 3D imaging to evaluate your teeth, bone levels, and jaw structure. We also take a digital scan of your teeth and detailed photographs, giving both you and Dr. Driscoll a complete, accurate view of your smile — not just what's visible during a quick look in the mouth. This technology allows us to catch concerns early, from small areas of decay to early signs of gum disease, often before you'd notice any symptoms yourself.
A Thorough Exam With Dr. Driscoll
Dr. Driscoll performs a comprehensive evaluation of your teeth, gums, bite, and jaw joint, along with an oral cancer screening. She reviews your health history and takes the time to understand your goals — whether that's relieving discomfort, addressing a cosmetic concern, or simply maintaining a healthy, confident smile for the long term. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any areas of concern directly with the doctor, so recommendations are tailored specifically to you. If you have cosmetic goals in mind, we're happy to talk through those the same day — Dr. Driscoll can discuss options and next steps as part of your visit.
Time With Our Hygienist
Our hygienist evaluates your gum health in detail and talks with you about the right level of care for where your gums are today. If we identify early signs of gum disease, we may recommend one of the following:
- Guided Biofilm Therapy — a gentle, advanced cleaning technique using air, water, and fine powder to remove plaque and bacteria with minimal discomfort
- Periodontal Therapy — for patients with signs of gum disease that need a more targeted approach
- Scaling and Root Planing — a deeper cleaning for patients with more advanced buildup below the gumline
Whichever approach is right for you, our hygienist will walk you through exactly why it's recommended and what it involves.
What You'll Leave With
By the end of your wellness visit, you'll have a clear understanding of your current oral health, a personalized plan for anything that needs attention, and a chance to have all your questions answered — before you ever have to guess what happens next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in a new patient wellness visit?
A wellness visit includes full diagnostic imaging, a comprehensive exam with Dr. Driscoll, gum health evaluation with our hygienist, and a personalized discussion of your health and cosmetic goals.
How much does a new patient wellness visit cost?
The investment for a new patient wellness visit ranges from $500 to $600, depending on the diagnostics needed for your individual visit.
Do you take my insurance?
We work with all dental insurances to help our patients get the best benefits from their policy. We are not in-network, and that's intentional — it allows us to provide the best care without the limitations imposed by insurance companies. Patients pay in full at the time of the visit, and we file the claim as a courtesy. Reimbursement is sent directly to you.
How long is the visit?
Plan to be with us for about two hours. This gives us time for thorough diagnostics, a comprehensive exam with Dr. Driscoll, and a conversation with our hygienist about your gum health and goals.
Should I send over X-rays from my previous dentist?
You're welcome to have your previous office send those over, and we're happy to take a look. That said, we always take a new set of X-rays at your first visit — our imaging technology is up to date, and it allows us to see exactly how you present to us today.
Can we talk about cosmetic concerns during this visit?
Yes. If you have cosmetic goals in mind, Dr. Driscoll is happy to discuss them with you as part of your wellness visit, so you can leave with a clear picture of your options.
How is a wellness visit different from a regular cleaning?
A wellness visit is a comprehensive evaluation of your overall oral health, not just a cleaning. Diagnostics, a doctor's exam, and a personalized plan are all part of the visit, alongside any cleaning that's appropriate for your gum health.
What if I have gum disease or bleeding gums?
Our hygienist will evaluate your gum health and recommend the right level of care, whether that's Guided Biofilm Therapy, periodontal therapy, or scaling and root planing, depending on what we find.
