New patients
New Patients: What to Expect at Your First Visit
We’re so glad you’re here. Here’s what a first dental visit usually looks like, what it helps to bring, and how insurance, payment and parking work at our office.
- Caring for families since 1991
- Suite 202, Medical Center Dr
- Free parking
- Most PPO plans
What should I expect at my first visit to Golden Triangle Dentistry?
At a first dental visit, the team usually reviews your health history, the dentist checks your teeth, gums and bite, and X-rays are taken only if you need them. Then you talk through what was found and plan next steps together. To book, call (951) 677-1054 and have your insurance details handy.
Welcome to Golden Triangle Dentistry
We’re so glad you found us. Golden Triangle Dentistry has cared for Murrieta families since 1991, in the same office at 25460 Medical Center Dr, Suite 202.
Dr. H. Pourshirazi, DMD is now caring for our patients. He graduated from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 1994 and has cared for families in the area for more than 27 years. Dr. Meerweis Stanisai, DDS continues to see patients here too.
You’ll meet the same caring team our longtime patients know. To learn what’s new, read Dr. Neff’s letter to our patients.
What happens at a first dental visit?
A first dental visit usually starts with your health history, then an exam of your teeth, gums and bite. The dentist or hygienist will ask about your recent medical history and decide whether you need X-rays.
The exam often includes a check for oral cancer. That means looking and feeling for unusual lumps in your mouth, including your lips and tongue.
A cleaning removes plaque and tartar, and then your teeth are polished and flossed. You may not need X-rays at every visit. How often you need them depends on your oral health, age, risk of disease and any symptoms.
At the end, you’ll talk about what the exam showed and what comes next. Ask any questions you have. Learn more about cleanings and exams.
How it works
What a first visit usually includes
Every visit is a little different, but most first visits follow these steps.
- Check in
Say hello at the front desk and share your insurance details if you have a plan.
- Health history
Tell us about your health and the medicines you take. Many medical conditions can affect your dental health.
- Exam and any X-rays
The dentist checks your teeth, gums and bite and screens for oral cancer. X-rays are taken only when needed.
- Cleaning
Plaque and tartar are removed, and your teeth are polished and flossed.
- Your plan
You talk about what was found, your options and next steps, and ask anything you like.
What should I bring to my first dental appointment?
A few things can help your first visit go smoothly. Bring what you have, and call us if you’re not sure what you need.
- Your dental insurance card or plan details, if you have coverage
- A photo ID
- A list of the medicines, vitamins and supplements you take
- Notes about your health conditions and any questions you want to ask
- The name and phone number of your last dentist, if you have them
Have a heart condition or an immune disorder?
Ask whether you need antibiotics before your dental visit. It’s also important to keep your dentist informed of any changes in your overall health.
How do I fill out new patient forms?
Our patient forms are being updated right now, so please call us at (951) 677-1054 and our team will help.
If you have questions about your health history, insurance or your first visit, ask our team when you call.
Do you take my insurance, and how can I pay?
We work with most dental insurance plans, including most PPO plans. We continue to accept the same insurance plans as before, including the UFCW member dental plan.
You can pay by cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express or CareCredit. More payment choices, with flexible financing options, are being added.
To check your coverage, call us with your plan details. See dental insurance, UFCW member plans and payment options and financing for more.
What if I feel nervous about the dentist?
Tell us. If dental visits make you anxious, let your dentist know before your appointment so you can talk about ways to help you relax.
Our office has offered comfort touches such as blankets, bottled water and TVs, and nitrous oxide for patients who feel anxious. Ask our team what’s available for your visit, and read more about dental anxiety and comfort.
Can I bring my child?
Yes. We care for children too, and parents are welcome to stay with their child during visits.
A child’s first dental visit should happen after the first tooth appears, but no later than the first birthday. For kids, care can include fluoride, sealants, tips about diet, and checks for habits like thumb sucking or pacifier use.
See our guide to your child’s first dental visit and our children’s dentistry page.
Where do I park, and is the office accessible?
Parking is free, in front of and behind the building. We’re in Suite 202 at 25460 Medical Center Dr, the same suite as always.
The office has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking and restroom. If you have access needs or questions about getting to Suite 202, call us before your visit and ask our team.
For directions and more, visit our contact page.
How do I book my first visit?
Call us at (951) 677-1054 to book your first visit, or request an appointment online. Our team will contact you to confirm a time.
See book a visit for what to have ready when you call, or browse our questions and answers.
Questions & answers
Common questions
How often should I see the dentist?
Most adults and children should have a routine dental exam about every six months. Some people need visits more often, including people with gum disease, frequent cavities, dry mouth or diabetes, and people who smoke or are pregnant. Your dentist or hygienist can tell you how often is right for you.
It’s been years since my last checkup. Is that OK?
Yes. You’re welcome here, however long it’s been. As Dr. Neff’s letter put it, if it has been a while since your last checkup, or you have treatment you’ve been putting off, now is a good time to come in and say hello. Call (951) 677-1054 to book.
Will I see Dr. Neff?
Dr. William L. Neff Jr., DDS has retired after more than 34 years of caring for patients. Dr. H. Pourshirazi, DMD is now caring for our patients, and Dr. Meerweis Stanisai, DDS continues to see patients here. The same caring team is here to welcome you.
Should I bring my old dental X-rays or records?
If you have recent records or X-rays from another dentist, they can be helpful. Ask your previous dental office how to have them shared. If you’re not sure what to request, call us at (951) 677-1054 and our team will answer that.
What if I have a dental emergency before my first visit?
Call us first at (951) 677-1054. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for facial swelling that affects your breathing, swallowing or vision, a high fever with swelling, bleeding that won’t stop with pressure, or a serious injury to your face or jaw. Our emergency dental care page explains what to do next.
Do you offer more than checkups and cleanings?
Yes. Specialist care for oral surgery, root canal treatment, braces and aligners, and children’s dentistry will be available right here, so you won’t need to travel to another office. Dental implants are placed in our office, from start to finish. Updated technology includes 3D imaging, digital X-rays and digital impressions.
Keep reading
Related care and answers
Book a Visit
Request an appointment online or call (951) 677-1054 to book a visit at Golden Triangle Dentistry, 25460 Medic
Dental Insurance & UFCW Plans
We still accept the same insurance plans, including the UFCW member dental plan, and work with most PPOs. Lear
Questions & Answers
Answers about Dr. Neff’s retirement, Dr. Pourshirazi, your records, parking, insurance, the UFCW plan, payment
Dental Cleanings & Exams
What happens at a dental checkup: cleaning, exam, X-rays when needed, oral cancer screening and gum checks. Us
Our Doctors
Meet Dr. H. Pourshirazi, DMD and Dr. Meerweis Stanisai, DDS at Golden Triangle Dentistry, and read our thank-y
Sources
- Dental Exam · MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
- Your Top 9 Questions About Going to the Dentist—Answered! · American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)
- X-rays · American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)
- Your baby’s first dental visit · American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)
- What Happens During a Dental Cleaning? · Cleveland Clinic
- What Is a Dental Emergency and Where To Go for Care · Cleveland Clinic
- Toothache: Symptoms, Causes & Remedies · Cleveland Clinic
- Ludwig’s Angina: Symptoms, Signs & Treatment · Cleveland Clinic
Golden Triangle Dentistry is not affiliated with these organizations. Links open in a new tab.
Important information: This page shares general information about dental visits. Your dentist will recommend the care that fits your needs.
Golden Triangle Dentistry
Book a visit
25460 Medical Center Dr, Suite 202, Murrieta
We’d love to meet you
Call (951) 677-1054 to book your first visit with our Murrieta team.