Before You Arrive

Your first visit to Stanton Smiles begins before you walk through the door. When you call to schedule, our front desk team will ask a few questions about your dental history, any current concerns you have, and the type of visit you need — whether it is a routine checkup, a specific issue like a toothache, or a cosmetic consultation. This helps Dr. Robert Stanton prepare for your appointment and ensures your time with us is well spent.

We will also ask about your dental insurance information so we can verify coverage ahead of time. If you do not have insurance, we will walk you through our payment options so there are no surprises. New patient paperwork can be completed online before you arrive, which saves about fifteen minutes in the waiting room. If you prefer to fill it out in person, simply arrive ten to fifteen minutes early.

If you have recent X-rays from a previous dentist, we can request those records on your behalf. Bringing them with you, if possible, can streamline your visit and avoid duplicate imaging — though Dr. Stanton may still recommend updated X-rays depending on how much time has passed and what diagnostic detail is needed.

Checking In at 5400 N Federal Hwy

Stanton Smiles is located at 5400 N Federal Hwy in Fort Lauderdale, serving patients throughout Broward County. When you arrive, you will be greeted by name at the front desk. We make a point of running on schedule, so your wait time should be minimal. If you submitted your paperwork online, we will confirm a few details and get you comfortable. If not, our team will hand you a clipboard and help with anything that is unclear.

The office itself is designed to feel calm and welcoming. We know that dental visits can cause anxiety for many people — you are not unusual if you feel nervous — and our environment reflects that awareness. From the temperature in the treatment rooms to the availability of noise-canceling headphones, small details matter to us.

Your Comprehensive Exam

Once you are seated in the treatment room, a dental assistant will review your health history with you — medications, allergies, past surgeries, and any conditions like diabetes or heart disease that can influence dental treatment. This is not bureaucratic box-checking; your systemic health and your oral health are deeply connected, and Dr. Stanton needs the full picture to treat you safely.

Dr. Stanton will then join you and perform a thorough examination that goes well beyond a quick look. He evaluates:

  • Each tooth individually for decay, cracks, and wear patterns
  • Existing restorations — fillings, crowns, and bridges — to check their integrity
  • Gum health, including pocket-depth measurements that screen for periodontal disease
  • Occlusion — how your bite comes together and whether clenching or grinding (bruxism) is present
  • Soft tissues — cheeks, tongue, palate, and throat — as part of an oral cancer screening

This exam typically takes twenty to thirty minutes. Dr. Stanton explains what he is seeing as he goes, so you are never left wondering what the numbers mean or whether something looks concerning. If you have a specific complaint — a sensitive tooth, jaw pain, or a cosmetic concern — that receives dedicated attention during this exam.

Digital X-rays and Diagnostic Imaging

Most new patients receive a set of digital X-rays unless very recent, high-quality images are available from a previous provider. Digital X-rays use significantly less radiation than traditional film — typically 70% to 80% less — and produce images that can be viewed instantly on the monitor in your treatment room.

X-rays reveal what the naked eye cannot: decay between teeth, infections at the root tips, bone levels around each tooth, impacted teeth, and the condition of any previous root canals or restorations. For patients considering cosmetic work — such as porcelain veneers or dental implants — these images are essential for treatment planning. Dr. Stanton will walk you through the X-rays on screen, pointing out findings and answering your questions in plain language.

Depending on your needs, additional imaging such as a panoramic X-ray or a cone-beam CT (3D) scan may be recommended. A 3D scan is particularly valuable if you are evaluating dental implants, as it allows Dr. Stanton to assess bone volume and plan implant placement with precision.

The Conversation: Your Goals, Your Plan

After the exam and imaging, Dr. Stanton sits down with you to discuss findings and priorities. This is not a lecture — it is a conversation. He wants to understand what matters most to you. Are you here because something hurts and you need relief? Are you unhappy with how your smile looks and want to explore cosmetic options? Are you looking for a long-term dental home in Fort Lauderdale for ongoing preventive care?

Treatment recommendations are organized by urgency. Anything that needs immediate attention — an active infection, a cracked tooth at risk of breaking — is prioritized. Other items, like replacing an aging filling or discussing teeth whitening, are scheduled on a timeline that works for you. Dr. Stanton will also discuss preventive strategies tailored to your specific risk factors, whether that means a prescription fluoride regimen, a custom night guard for grinding, or more frequent cleanings if you are prone to periodontal issues.

Sedation and Comfort Options

If dental anxiety has kept you away from the dentist for years — and you are far from alone in that — please tell us. At Stanton Smiles, we offer sedation options ranging from mild (nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas) to deeper levels of conscious sedation for longer procedures. Dr. Stanton will discuss what is appropriate given your health history and the treatment you need. Many of our anxious patients in Broward County have told us that sedation dentistry changed their relationship with dental care entirely — and we take that seriously.

Insurance, Payment, and Scheduling

Before you leave, a member of our administrative team will sit down with you to review your treatment plan from a financial perspective. We will explain what your dental insurance covers, what your out-of-pocket responsibility looks like, and what payment options are available. For larger treatment plans, we can discuss phased scheduling that spreads costs over time without compromising care.

Your next appointment — whether it is a routine cleaning, a follow-up procedure, or a cosmetic consultation — will be scheduled before you walk out. We will confirm the date, time, and any preparation instructions, and you will receive a reminder via text or email as the date approaches.

Leaving With a Clear Roadmap

The goal of your first visit to Stanton Smiles is simple: you should leave with a complete understanding of your oral health and a clear plan for what comes next. No pressure, no overselling, no mystery. Dr. Robert Stanton and his team are committed to transparency, patient education, and clinical excellence — values that have earned the trust of the Fort Lauderdale community.

Whether you are due for a routine cleaning, dealing with a dental concern you have been putting off, or ready to explore a smile transformation with porcelain veneers or professional whitening, your first visit is the start of a partnership. We look forward to meeting you at 5400 N Federal Hwy. Book your first appointment today.