What to expect
Your First Visit
What happens from the moment you park until you leave, step by step.
A first visit to a new dentist can feel like a lot, especially if it has been a while. Here is what happens, step by step, and every decision along the way is yours.
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Seeing both doctors? Many patients have their exam and cleaning with Dr. Kottar and a consultation with Dr. Hong at the same visit. Tell us when you book and we will schedule them together.
A first visit with Dr. Kottar
For general, restorative and cosmetic dentistry.
01Arriving
Parking and checking in
The office is on the Mercy Hospital campus, in the Mercy Medical Arts building. Parking is below the building, valet or self-parking. Take the elevator to the third floor; Suite 305 is to the right of the elevator.
New patient forms can usually be filled out digitally before the visit, so many patients arrive with them done. If not, our patient coordinator helps you with them when you arrive.
02Records
Digital X-rays
If you bring recent X-rays from your previous office, we start with those. If not, or if they are out of date, we take the X-rays we need. They are digital, which keeps the radiation dose low, and we take only the ones your situation calls for.
When a question needs a closer look, such as an implant or a wisdom tooth, a 3D scan can be taken in the office.
03With the doctor
Your examination
Dr. Kottar starts by listening: your health, your dental history, anything that bothers you now and what you want from your dental care.
Then he examines every tooth, measures the gums, checks your bite and jaw muscles and screens the mouth for oral cancer. He often takes photos of your teeth as he goes, so he can show you what he sees.
04Your plan
Going over what we found
Dr. Kottar shows you what he found on the X-rays and photos and explains it in plain language: what can be watched, what should be treated and the options for each.
You leave with his recommendations, a written plan and an estimate. What to treat, and when, is your decision, and nothing is scheduled until you say so.
05Cleaning
A same-day cleaning for most patients
In most cases you can have a cleaning the same day, in a treatment room that looks out over Biscayne Bay. If your gums need deeper treatment, we explain why and schedule it.
A consultation with Dr. Hong
A first visit with Dr. Hong, our board-certified orthodontist, is a complimentary consultation for children, teens and adults.
- Step 1 of 3 A short conversation
Dr. Hong asks what you, or your child, would like to change and takes a first look at the teeth and the bite.
- Step 2 of 3 Records
We take the X-rays orthodontic planning needs: one of all the teeth, and one from the side that shows the jaws. Often we also take a digital scan of the teeth.
- Step 3 of 3 Your plan and estimate
Dr. Hong goes over the records with you and tells you whether treatment is needed now, later or not at all. If it is, you leave with a plan and an estimate.
Request a consultation with Dr. Hong
Your comfort
- Pain management comes first
We use modern anesthetic techniques that make injections more comfortable, and we do not push through discomfort.
- Sedation if you want it
Nitrous oxide and oral sedation are available for treatment visits.
- No pressure
You leave with a written plan and an estimate, and the decision is yours.
- Time to talk
We set aside time to go over your X-rays and your options with you.
More about comfort is on our anxiety and comfort options page.
What to bring and how insurance is handled are on the new patients page.
What our patients say
Rated five stars by the people who know us best
- Mia Dean
Exceptional Dentistry, Impeccable Results, and a Truly Wonderful Experience! I cannot recommend Vizcaya Dental Arts highly enough! Dr. Flavio Kottar has done absolutely impeccable work on my crowns and porcelain veneers, and I could not be happier with the results. His expertise, precision, and extraordinary attention to detail are truly exceptional. He takes great pride in his work, and it shows in the outstanding quality of his dentistry. The entire experience is wonderful in every respect. My hygienist, Liz Jimenez, is excellent—professional, gentle, thorough, and genuinely caring. Dr. Hong, Dr. Kottar’s wife, is another exceptional part of what makes this practice so special. The dental assistants and the entire staff are simply incredible: warm, kind, welcoming, and extremely professional. Every single person contributes to an atmosphere that makes you feel comfortable, valued, and genuinely cared for. The offices themselves are beautiful, state-of-the-art, and impeccably appointed, with stunning views of the bay that make every visit feel special. The setting is every bit as impressive as the quality of care! I never imagined I would say this about a dental practice, but I have never enjoyed a dental visit as much as I have at Vizcaya Dental Arts! The combination of exceptional clinical expertise, impeccable dental work, beautiful surroundings, and such genuinely wonderful people makes this practice truly stand out. If you are looking for outstanding dental care in a sophisticated, welcoming, and compassionate environment, I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Flavio Kottar, Dr. Hong, Liz Jimenez, and the entire Vizcaya Dental Arts team. They are truly exceptional, and I feel fortunate to have found them!
- Moses Garcia
I couldn’t be happier with my experience with Dr.Flavio Kottar and Dr. Patricia Hong. From the very beginning, they made me feel comfortable, cared for, and confident throughout the entire process. Dr. Kottar is an excellent dentist—professional, attentive, and truly dedicated to providing the best care. Dr. Hong did an amazing job with my Invisalign treatment, and the results have exceeded my expectations. My smile has completely transformed, and I couldn’t be happier with how it looks. I’m extremely grateful for their expertise, patience, and attention to detail. They both genuinely care about their patients and take the time to make sure everything is done right. I highly recommend Dr. Kottar and Dr. Hong to anyone looking for exceptional dental and orthodontic care. Thank you both for giving me a smile I’m truly proud of.!
- Arden A
I had a great experience at this dental office. From the moment I walked in, the front desk staff Leidi, Tyra, and Ana were extremely polite, friendly, and welcoming. They made me feel comfortable and valued as a patient. Dr. Flavio A. Kottar took excellent care of my teeth and was professional, friendly, and attentive throughout my visit. He took the time to make sure I was comfortable and explained everything clearly. The entire team provided outstanding customer service, and I truly appreciated how kind and welcoming everyone was. I highly recommend this office to anyone looking for quality dental care and a positive experience. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Frequently asked questions
Will it hurt?
The examination and a routine cleaning are comfortable for most people. When treatment needs numbing, we use modern anesthetic techniques that make the injection more comfortable. Pain management is something we take seriously.
It has been years since my last visit. Is that a problem?
No. It is more common than you might think. We look at where things stand today and explain the options, without judgment.
Do I have to start treatment at the first visit?
No. You leave with a written plan and an estimate, and what to treat and when is your decision.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes. A partner, a parent or a friend is welcome to come in with you.
What if I am in pain now?
Tell us when you call, and call as soon as you can; we try to see patients in pain the same day. The first priority is to find the cause and get you comfortable, and the full examination can follow at a later visit.
Can I see both doctors at the same visit?
Yes, and many patients do: the exam and cleaning with Dr. Kottar and a consultation with Dr. Hong. Tell us when you book and we will schedule them together.
How long does the first visit take?
About ninety minutes, including the cleaning when it can be done the same day.
Next step
Ready for your first visit?
Book a consultation. We will examine, explain your options and give you an honest recommendation with a written estimate. The decision is always yours.