First Appointment

The First Appointment

If you are only interested in cosmetic dentistry, we offer a cosmetic dental consultation to all new patients. During the consultation, Dr. Rai will discuss your cosmetic dental options for creating the smile you’ve always wanted. Otherwise for general dental patients, at your first visit, all areas of your mouth will be thoroughly examined. This process will include a detailed examination of the teeth, soft tissue, supporting structure alignment, bite and more. A complete set of digital x-rays may be needed along with models of your teeth. All the information that we obtain will be carefully evaluated so that we may accurately assess your dental needs.

Preventive Dental Hygiene Appointment

After your examination, you will be ready for the preventive oral hygiene session. At this time, you will have access to the latest theories and techniques for controlling dental disease. Specific approaches will be recommended for your individual needs. Your teeth will also be cleaned by our licensed dental hygienist, a professional dedicated to your receiving maximum longevity from your natural dentition. We consider this dental hygiene session to be one of the most valuable services we offer to our patients.

Dental Evaluation and Plan For Treatment

After your preventative appointment, we will explain your dental evaluation and plan for treatment. Immediate needs as well as long term objectives will be based on the goal of your receiving maximum life for your natural teeth.

This is the best dentist in Santa Barbara!! I am genetically prone to cavities, so I've had my fair share of dentists. In fact, I used to be terrified of them, but Dr. Rai is so pleasant I actually don't mind going to the dentist anymore. He is always asking how I'm doing (like every 5 minutes), and he never makes me feel like a horrible person if I forgot to floss. They have a massage chair, and a TV that you control that sits right in front of your face to keep you distracted. I've also had my wisdom teeth removed by him, and I had NO swelling. I also never feel like he's trying to make extra money off me and pressure me into something I don't need. Seriously, this guy is the best. If he takes your insurance, then I wouldn't go anywhere else.
Lillie S. - Santa Barbara, CA

News

Sleep More Soundly Tonight

By BK Rai in Dental Education

Think you might be experiencing sleep apnea but aren’t sure? To help you start figuring out what may be going on with your sleep, you can take the Epworth Sleepiness Scale Sleep Apnea Assessment below.

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3 Dental Treatments That Can Transform Your Smile

3 Dental Treatments That Can Transform Your Smile
By BK Rai in Santa Barbara Dental News, Dental Education

Behind every dull, tired smirk is a smile waiting to beam. Your dentist loves helping patients unlock the smile of their dreams and offering them the latest and greatest in cosmetic dentistry.

Here are three of the best treatments to get if you’re looking to transform your smile.

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We Are Open And Taking Appointments!

By BK Rai in Important Announcements

Due to COVID 19 we have had to make changes in our schedule. Hygiene days are now Wednesdays and Thursdays. For the meantime, any appointment made for routine care will have to be kept and we will handle cancelations on a case by case basis. A fee will be applied to appointments canceled with less than 48 hours notice. Please contact our office about this policy if you have any questions.


  • All patients will be prescreened before appointment.

  • Call/Text upon arrival, we will meet you at the door when it is ok for you to come in.

  • Shoes will be sanitized at the door.

  • Wear a mask at all times unless advised otherwise.

  • Oxygen levels and/or temperature will be taken upon arrival. 

  • We have designated "Sanitation Stations" throughout the office to be used freely.

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