Patient Hub

Your First Visit

Walking into a new dentist’s office can feel like a big step, especially if it’s been a while since your last visit. At Birch Tree Dentistry, you’ll know what to expect before you sit down, and nothing happens until you understand why. Dr. Bouz explains what he sees using X-rays, photos, and models, so every decision stays yours to make.

Patient Forms Your Exam Feeling Nervous?Post-Op Care

Before You Arrive

Complete Your Forms

Filling out your paperwork ahead of time means less time in the waiting room and more time getting your questions answered. Download and complete these forms before your visit, or fill them out in the office when you arrive.

A patient settled comfortably in the dental chair before her appointment

What to Bring

A photo ID
Your insurance card, if you have one
A list of your current medications
Prior dental records or X-rays, if you’re switching from another dentist

Already a Patient?

Returning patients can log into our patient portal anytime to update information, review records, and manage appointments between visits.

Step by Step

Your Exam, Step by Step

Here’s what happens once you’re in the chair:

Digital X-rays and cleaning

A hygienist takes X-rays and gives your teeth a professional cleaning.

Review with Dr. Bouz

He reviews the X-rays with you, using photos, the intraoral camera (a small camera that captures close-up pictures inside your mouth), physical models, and sometimes an extracted tooth to show you what’s happening.

Diagnosis and options

If you need treatment, Dr. Bouz walks you through the diagnosis, shows you the evidence, and lays out your options.

You decide

Treatment starts only once you understand why it’s needed and you’re ready to move forward.

Dental Anxiety

If You’re Nervous About the Dentist, Tell Him First

If you’re anxious about the dentist, or a past visit left you on edge, tell Dr. Bouz before anything else happens. He listens first, then makes you a direct promise:

If you tell him it hurts, he believes you.
If you tell him to stop, he stops.
He confirms you’re numb before starting any procedure and never assumes you are.
Laughing gas is available anytime you’d like it.
The pace of your visit follows you, not the clock.

After Treatment

Post-Op Instructions

Every procedure comes with its own healing process, so Dr. Bouz gives you instructions specific to your treatment. Here’s what to expect for a few of our most common procedures, for now.

Tooth Extractions

Bite down gently on the gauze for 30 to 45 minutes so a blood clot has time to form.
Skip rinsing, spitting, and straws for the first 24 hours so the clot stays in place.
Use an ice pack in short intervals during the first day to ease swelling.
Stick to soft foods and lukewarm liquids for a day or two while you heal.
Skip smoking while you recover, since it slows healing.
Call the office if you notice heavy bleeding, severe pain, or a fever.

Root Canal Treatment

Expect some tenderness for a few days, especially when you chew.
Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until Dr. Bouz places your permanent filling or crown.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if you need it for discomfort.
Keep brushing and flossing as usual, going gently around the treated area.
Call the office if your pain gets worse or you notice new swelling.

Dental Implants

Expect some swelling and mild discomfort for the first few days.
Stick to soft foods for about a week while the implant site heals.
Brush the rest of your mouth as usual, staying gentle near the implant site.
Skip smoking, since it can slow healing.
Keep every follow-up appointment so Dr. Bouz can track your healing before your final restoration goes in.
Call the office if you notice unusual pain, swelling, or other signs of infection.

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New to Ooltewah? Haven't Been to the Dentist in a While?

Dr. Bouz sees patients of all ages, accepts most major insurance, and offers same-day emergency appointments. Give us a call.

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