What a first visit is like
If you have not been to a dentist for a while, the first appointment is the part that puts people off. So here is the whole thing, in order, with how long each part takes.
Nothing is drilled, filled or taken out on a first visit unless you are in pain and you ask us to.
The appointment, step by step
Before you arrive
2 minutesWrite down any medicines you take and anything you have been told about your heart, blood pressure or bleeding. If you are nervous, say so when you book. We will give you a longer slot so nobody is rushing.
At the desk
5 minutesJulie will ask for your name, address and doctor. You fill in a medical history form. If you would rather do it at home, ask us to email it.
Sitting down
5 minutesThe dentist will ask what has brought you in and when you last saw someone. There is no lecture. People come back after ten years and we start from where you are.
The look
10 minutesA mirror and a small probe, tooth by tooth, then your gums and the soft tissue in your mouth. You can stop at any point by raising your hand.
X-rays, if you agree
5 minutesTwo small films that show between the teeth and under old fillings. You can say no. If you do, we tell you what we cannot see.
What we found
10 minutesWe go through it on the screen with you. If something needs doing, we say what it is, how long it takes and what it costs. You take that away and think about it.
Booking the next one
3 minutesOnly if you want one. Nobody is booked in at the desk without being asked.
What the first visit costs
The examination is £65. Two x-rays are included in that. If you need a clean on the same day and we have time, the hygienist charges £75. You will not be charged for anything you have not agreed to.
If you are nervous
Tell us when you book and we will do three things. We give you a longer appointment so there is no clock running. We agree a hand signal that stops everything. And we go one step at a time, telling you what is next before it happens.
Rosa has a special interest in treating anxious patients and takes most of these appointments. If it helps to come in and just look at the room first, ring us and we will book that. It is free and it takes ten minutes.
Getting here and getting in
Two parking spaces behind the building, and free street parking on Town Green after 10:00. The side entrance is step-free. The waiting room, a surgery and the toilet are all on the ground floor. The doorway to the ground-floor surgery is 90cm wide. If you use a wheelchair and want to know anything else about the building, ring us and we will measure it.
Ready when you are
No pressure, and no treatment plan waiting at the end of a check-up.
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