Your first visit to Prosthodontics of Southwest Michigan establishes a vital foundation for our relationship with you. During the first visit, we will gather important background information, like your medical and dental history, and give you time to get to meet Dr. Humphries. To understand what to expect for your first visit to our practice, please read through this page and the items listed under the tab 'Our Services'. You'll find all the information you will need, such as a map and directions to our office, practice hours, payment policies and more.
Patient Forms
Patient Registration and Medical History forms will be sent to you in the mail. Please fill out these forms so we can expedite your first visit.
What to expect
Being well-prepared for your appointment will ensure that the doctor has all of the needed information to determine the best treatment options available for you. You may evaluate your symptoms, some or all of which may be found upon reviewing the content on this website. Also, take some time to review our staff page and familiarize yourself with the doctor and our staff.
Initial Oral Examination
Your initial oral examination includes a comprehensive dental examination, charting, periodontal probing, caries evaluation and an oral cancer screening. A full set of diagnostic photographs will be taken to review with you at your consultation appointment. We will also take x-rays (called radiographs), which allow Dr. Humphries to evaluate the teeth, supporting bone and jaw joints. They may include:
- Panoramic x-ray: used to properly diagnose the overall status of the teeth and jaws
- Periapical x-ray Series: used to properly diagnose the health of the roots, surrounding bone and pulps of the teeth. Decay can also be detected with these x-rays and the health of current dental restorations (crowns, bridges, etc.)
- Bite-wing x-ray Series: used to properly diagnose decay in between the teeth and on the biting surfaces. The health of the bone surrounding the teeth is also diagnosed from these x-rays, as well as, the health of current dental restorations (crowns, bridges, etc.)
If your dentist has taken radiographs and will be sending them to our office, they must be of excellent diagnostic quality for Dr. Humphries to be able to use them. If they are not, they will need to be re-taken to allow Dr. Humphries to properly diagnose any findings, both normal and abnormal.
Consultation Appointment
After reviewing all of information from the first appointment, Dr. Humphries will develop treatment options that will be reviewed at your consultation appointment. This appointment is very important, for during this appointment all aspects of your proposed treatment options will be discussed in detail. Any questions you may have regarding the proposed treatment can be answered at this appointment.
We look forward to your first visit!
Driving Directions
Primary Location
3801 Glenkerry Ct
Portage, MI 49024-0718, US