Your First Holistic Dental Appointment in Los Angeles: What to Expect at Rite Dentist

NEW PATIENT GUIDE · LOS ANGELES

A first visit that treats you as a whole person, not just a set of teeth.

If you have been curious about holistic dentistry but were not sure what to expect, this page is for you. Your first appointment at Rite Dentist in Los Angeles is different from a conventional dental visit in specific, meaningful ways. We spend more time with you, ask different questions, look at different things, and give you a level of explanation that most dental practices do not offer. Here is exactly what happens from the moment you arrive.

Written by the clinical team at Rite Dentist. Last updated July 2026.

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Rated 4.9 stars by Los Angeles patients · IAOMT-trained holistic dentist · Mercury-safe, biocompatible materials · No high-pressure treatment plans · Serving Valley Village, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, and Silver Lake

Before You Arrive: What to Bring and What to Know

Your new patient intake at Rite Dentist asks questions that you probably have not seen on a dental form before. We ask about your current medications and supplements, any known sensitivities or allergies to dental materials, your digestion and gut health, sleep quality, any chronic conditions you are managing, and whether you have existing amalgam fillings that you are concerned about.

This is not us trying to play physician. It is us treating the mouth as part of the body rather than in isolation from it. If you are on thyroid medication, we approach your care differently than if you are not. If you have autoimmune conditions, we consider your material choices more carefully. This intake information shapes everything we do.

Bring if you have them: any recent X-rays from a previous dentist in digital format, a list of current supplements and medications, records of any known dental material sensitivities or reactions, and notes on any specific concerns you want to address.

What you do not need to bring: a perfect dental history, an absence of cavities, or any expectation that we will judge you for how long it has been since your last visit. We see patients who have not been to a dentist in a decade. It happens. We start where you are.

What Happens During Your First Appointment

A conversation first. We start by talking. Dr. Babrood takes time to understand why you are here, what your health goals are, what concerns you have about your dental or overall health, and what your previous dental experiences have been like. If you have dental anxiety, this conversation is where we figure out how to make the rest of the visit work for you.

A whole-body-aware clinical exam. The clinical exam at Rite Dentist looks at more than just your teeth and gums. We assess jaw joint (TMJ) health, check for signs of mouth breathing and airway restriction, evaluate the bite and its relationship to the cervical spine, look at soft tissue for any pathology, and screen for oral cancer. We look at the teeth for decay and wear, the gums for pocket depth and inflammation, and existing restorations for integrity and material status.

A conversation about your fillings. If you have existing amalgam restorations, we discuss them with you. We explain what mercury amalgam is, what the research shows about mercury vapor release, and what your options are. We never pressure patients into amalgam removal. We inform you and let you decide.

X-rays only if clinically necessary. If you bring recent X-rays, we will use them. If not, we will take only what we need based on your clinical findings and history. We use digital sensors only and apply thyroid collars and lead aprons for all patients.

A treatment plan without pressure. At the end of the appointment, you receive a clear explanation of everything we found and a written treatment plan that prioritizes your needs without upselling. We explain what is urgent and what can wait. We give you time to ask questions. There is no pressure to schedule anything before you leave.

90min
New patient appointment length — we take time with first visits because understanding you properly from the start leads to better care over time

100%
Mercury-free practice — every material used at Rite Dentist has been evaluated for biocompatibility before it touches a patient’s mouth

4.9★
Average Google rating from Los Angeles patients, with hundreds of reviews describing the first visit as unlike any dental experience they had before

Frequently Asked Questions: New Patients at Rite Dentist

How long is a first holistic dental appointment?

Typically 75 to 90 minutes. We build in extra time for new patients because the intake conversation, the whole-body-aware exam, and the treatment planning discussion require it. If you come in with a specific concern (pain, a broken tooth, a question about amalgam removal), the appointment may be structured differently, but we still take time to understand your full picture rather than addressing only the presenting problem.

Does Rite Dentist accept dental insurance?

We are an out-of-network provider for most insurance plans. We provide detailed superbills that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. The specific reimbursement depends on your plan’s out-of-network benefits. We are happy to discuss fees and help you understand what to expect before your appointment. Contact us directly for current new patient fees.

What if I want to switch from a conventional dentist to Rite Dentist?

Switching is straightforward. Request your X-rays and records from your previous dentist in digital format and bring them or have them sent before your first appointment. There is no need to give your previous dentist a reason for leaving. You do not owe anyone a justification for choosing a practice that aligns with your values. We will review your records, pick up where appropriate, and build a plan from there.

I have not been to the dentist in many years. Is that okay?

It is more common than you might think. We see patients who have been away from dental care for five, ten, or more years, often because of anxiety, cost, past bad experiences, or a distrust of conventional dentistry. We do not judge or lecture. We assess what is there, explain your options clearly, prioritize what matters, and give you a manageable path forward. Getting started is the important part.

Do I need to decide about amalgam removal at my first visit?

No. We will discuss it with you if you have amalgam fillings, and we will share the relevant information, but there is no pressure to decide anything at a first appointment. Some patients have been thinking about amalgam removal for years and are ready to move forward immediately. Others want to understand more before committing. Both are fine. We follow your timeline.

Where is Rite Dentist located and who does it serve?

Rite Dentist is located in the Valley Village area of Los Angeles. We serve patients from across the Los Angeles area including Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Burbank, and beyond. Patients who travel from further away for holistic biological dental care are a regular part of our practice.

Ready When You Are

Your first holistic dental visit in Los Angeles does not have to be stressful. Book an appointment at Rite Dentist and find out what dentistry looks like when your health is actually the priority.

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Shayan Shahabi