Your First Visit Made Simple
Welcome to Chew Chew Dental. Here’s everything you need to prepare for your appointment, understand what to expect, and feel more comfortable before you arrive.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your first appointment allows us to learn about your concerns and develop a clear picture of your oral health.

A Conversation About Your Needs
Tell us what brought you in, whether you are due for preventive care, experiencing discomfort, or interested in improving your smile.

A Review of Your Health History
We will review your medical conditions, medications, allergies, and previous dental experiences. This information helps Dr. Chiu provide safe and appropriate care.

A Comprehensive Examination
Dr. Chiu will examine your teeth, gums, bite, jaw, and existing dental work. Your visit may also include an evaluation of your head, neck, salivary glands, lymph nodes, and jaw joints.

Digital X-Rays
Full-mouth or other diagnostic X-rays may be taken to identify concerns that cannot be seen during a visual examination and to create a baseline for future visits. Recent usable X-rays from another dentist may reduce the need for new images.

Oral Cancer Screening
Dr. Chiu will check your mouth and surrounding tissues for unusual changes that may need further evaluation.

Teeth Cleaning
Your first visit generally includes a professional cleaning and polishing. A different type of cleaning or an additional appointment may be recommended when gum disease or heavier buildup is present.
What to Bring
These items help our team prepare for your visit and avoid delays during check-in.
Your dental insurance card or plan information
A valid photo ID
A list of current medications and medical conditions
Information about allergies or recent medical procedures
Dental X-rays taken within the past six months, when available
Your completed new-patient forms
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about your appointment
Appointments
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can:
- Request an appointment online via contact form or ZocDoc link.
- Call (714) 842-5539
- Email info@chewchewdental.com with your preferred day and time range
A member of our team will contact you to confirm your appointment.
What are your office hours?
Mon
8:00–12:00
Tue
8:00–5:00
Wed
7:30–4:30
Thu
By Appointment
Fri
7:30–4:30
Thursday availability depends on the patient schedule, so please call before visiting.
What if I need to reschedule?
Please contact us at least 48 hours before your appointment whenever possible. We will help you find another time that works for your schedule.
What happens if I miss my appointment?
Call the office as soon as possible. We understand that unexpected situations happen and will help you reschedule.
How often should I have a dental checkup?
Many patients benefit from exams and cleanings twice a year. Some patients need more frequent visits based on their gum health, cavity risk, medical history, or treatment needs.
After evaluating your oral health, Dr. Chiu will recommend the schedule that is right for you.
Your First Visit
Will I receive a cleaning at my first appointment?
A professional cleaning is generally included as part of the first visit. If you have gum disease, heavier buildup, or need a more involved type of cleaning, an additional appointment may be recommended.
Will I need X-rays?
Dental X-rays are an important diagnostic tool because many concerns can develop between teeth, below the gums, or within the bone without visible symptoms.
The type and number of images will depend on your oral health, symptoms, dental history, and whether recent usable X-rays are available.
Can I send X-rays from my previous dentist?
Yes. Ask your previous dental office to send us X-rays taken within the past six months, when available. Contact our team for the preferred delivery method.
Why do you need my medical history?
Medical conditions, medications, allergies, and previous procedures can affect your teeth, gums, and the safety of dental treatment.
Complete information helps Dr. Chiu diagnose concerns and plan your care appropriately.
What if I feel nervous about dental treatment?
Please tell us when you schedule and again when you arrive. Our team can explain each step, answer your questions, and help the visit feel more manageable.
Depending on the treatment and your needs, options such as local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation may be available. Dr. Chiu will discuss which option is appropriate and provide preparation and transportation instructions when needed.
Insurance and Payment
Which insurance plans do you accept?
We accept most PPO dental insurance plans.
Chew Chew Dental is currently in network with Delta Dental, Aetna, Cigna, Blue Shield, and MetLife. Other PPO plans may be accepted on an out-of-network basis.
What does “out of network” mean?
An out-of-network dentist does not have a contracted fee agreement with your insurance company.
Your PPO plan may still provide benefits, but the reimbursement amount and your out-of-pocket cost may differ from in-network care. Contact us with your plan information so our team can help explain how it may apply.
Will you submit my insurance claim?
Yes. Our team submits dental insurance claims for patients.
What are your payment options?
We accept:
- Cash
- Checks
- Credit cards
- CareCredit
Short-term interest-free financing and payment plans for major treatment may also be available.
Do you accept CareCredit?
Yes. CareCredit may be used for eligible dental expenses, subject to its approval and account terms.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. Short-term interest-free financing and payment plans for major treatment may be available. Ask our team about current options and eligibility.
When is payment due?
Your estimated portion is generally due at the time of service. Patients without insurance may pay at the time of service or according to an approved payment arrangement.
Dental Emergencies
What should I do if I have dental pain?
Call our office and tell us:
- Where the pain is located
- When it started
- Whether it is getting worse
- Whether you have swelling, bleeding, or an injury
- Whether you are having difficulty eating, swallowing, or breathing
What counts as a dental emergency?
Urgent dental concerns may include:
- Severe or worsening tooth pain
- Swelling in the gums, face, or jaw
- A broken, cracked, loose, or displaced tooth
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- A painful lost filling or crown
- Signs of infection
- An injury to the teeth or mouth
Can you see me quickly?
The practice makes every attempt to see patients with dental pain or urgent concerns within 24 hours, based on the severity of the problem and appointment availability.
What should I do after office hours?
Call the office and follow the recorded instructions.
For severe facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or a serious injury, seek urgent medical care or call 911.
Children and Teenagers
Do you see children?
Yes. Chew Chew Dental welcomes children of all ages and provides preventive care such as exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and guidance for protecting developing teeth.
When should my child first visit the dentist?
A child’s first dental visit is recommended when the first tooth appears or by the first birthday.
Early visits allow the dentist to look for developing concerns and help children become comfortable with the dental office.
When should I begin brushing my child’s teeth?
Begin cleaning your baby’s gums with a soft cloth soon after birth. Once the first tooth appears, brush twice daily with a soft infant toothbrush and a small smear of toothpaste.
Can my teenager attend alone?
No. Patients under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at every visit so findings, recommendations, and consent can be discussed together.
Sedation and Comfort
What types of sedation are available?
Depending on the procedure and the patient’s needs, available options may include:
- Local anesthesia
- Nitrous oxide or inhalation sedation
- Oral sedation
- IV sedation
What is nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide, sometimes called laughing gas, is inhaled through a small mask. It can help you feel calmer while remaining awake and able to respond.
Its effects generally wear off shortly after the gas is stopped.
What is oral sedation?
Oral sedation involves taking prescribed medication before the appointment to help you feel deeply relaxed during treatment.
You will need someone to drive you to and from the office.
What is IV sedation?
IV sedation is administered into the bloodstream and may allow you to remain deeply relaxed with little memory of the procedure.
You will need someone to bring you to the office and drive you home afterward.
Language Assistance
Do you speak Chinese?
Yes. Dr. Chiu is fluent in Mandarin, Taiwanese, and English. Please let us know your preferred language when scheduling.
我們關心您的口腔健康,歡迎致電預約。我們會說中文!



Still Have Questions?
Tell us what you need help with, whether you are preparing for your first visit, checking your insurance, or concerned about a dental problem.
我們關心您的口腔健康,歡迎致電預約,我們會講中文!
17130 Magnolia St.
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Mon
8:00–12:00
Tue
8:00–5:00
Wed
7:30–4:30
Thu
By Appointment
Fri
7:30–4:30
Sat
Closed
Sun
Closed
