New Patient & Visit FAQs
What to expect before, during, and after your first visit.
New Patient & Visit FAQs
What to expect before, during, and after your first visit.
Are you accepting new patients?
Absolutely! We are always happy to welcome new patients to our Balboa Dentistry family.
What happens at my first visit?
We'll review your dental and medical history, take any necessary X-rays, perform a cleaning if time allows, and discuss your oral health goals.
Will I get a cleaning at my first appointment?
Usually, yes. If more extensive care is needed, we'll schedule a follow-up.
Should I bring anything?
Please bring your photo ID, insurance information, medication list, and completed patient forms. If available, bring or arrange transfer of relevant prior dental records and images.
Can I schedule online?
Book online at https://www.balboadentistry.com/San-Diego-Dentist-Book-Appointment or call (858) 277-5141 to find a time that works for you.
How long will it take?
Plan for about 60-90 minutes for your first visit.
Do you offer same-day or emergency visits?
We prioritize dental emergencies and do our best to arrange same-day care. Please call (858) 277-5141 promptly so we can assess availability and the next step; same-day appointments are not guaranteed.
Do you offer free second opinions?
Yes, we do. We offer free second opinion consultations to help you better understand your options, with no pressure or obligation. Bring any recent X-rays or records with you, or we can take new ones if needed (additional fees may apply for new diagnostic images).
What if I haven't seen a dentist in years?
Please tell us about your concerns. Dr. Dhayni uses a Listening First approach, gentle techniques, and breaks when needed. We can also discuss whether oral sedation is appropriate for you.
Do you accept walk-ins?
We recommend scheduling an appointment to ensure you get seen promptly, but we do our best to accommodate urgent needs when possible.
Who can help with another question?
We'd love to help you directly. Call or text us at 858-277-5141 so our team can take care of you.
What counts as a dental emergency?
Knocked-out teeth, severe toothaches, abscesses, broken teeth or crowns, and persistent bleeding need prompt assessment. Contact a dentist promptly for urgent dental concerns. For trouble breathing or swallowing, severe facial injury, or uncontrolled bleeding, call 911 or go to an emergency department.
What should I do if my tooth gets knocked out?
For a knocked-out permanent tooth, keep it moist, handle it by the crown rather than the root, and seek dental care immediately. If it cannot be placed back safely, keep it in milk while getting urgent dental help. Do not reinsert a baby tooth; contact a dentist immediately for guidance.
I have a severe toothache, what can I do?
Rinse gently with warm water and call us promptly for an assessment. Toothache can have several causes and may need dental treatment. Ask a dentist or pharmacist about a pain reliever that is appropriate for your health history, and follow its label. Do not put aspirin on your gums.
Do you do emergency extractions?
Yes, if a tooth cannot be saved, Dr. Dhayni can perform extractions to get you out of pain quickly.
Can you fix a broken denture quickly?
We can often help with denture repairs. Bring it in so we can assess the damage and see if it can be fixed in-office.
Is a chipped tooth an emergency?
If it doesn't hurt, it might not be urgent, but you should still call us to smooth it out before it cuts your tongue or gets worse.
My crown fell off, what do I do?
Keep the crown safe and contact us promptly to have the tooth assessed and the crown recemented if appropriate.
Do you treat dental abscesses?
Yes. A dental abscess needs prompt assessment and treatment of the source of infection. Dr. Dhayni will recommend the appropriate dental procedure; antibiotics are used when clinically indicated, not automatically for every abscess.