What to Expect at a First Dental Consultation
If you’ve booked in for your first dental consultation in Woden, you might be a little anxious about what to expect. It’s only normal; you don’t know what the practice is like, whether the people will be friendly and what exactly will happen. But it doesn’t have to be that way; learn what to expect and what information you need to bring with you, and your first visit will be a breeze.
How to Prepare For Your First Dental Consultation
As with many things in life, preparation is key to a smooth and successful first dental consultation. Don’t worry though, it’s nothing too tricky or time-consuming, and you will already know a lot of it. If you have a private health insurance policy, make sure to bring your card and relevant details with you. You’ll also need to be able to tell us about your medical history, any conditions you have and any medications you take. Next, we’ll need emergency contact details, so bear in mind who is the best person for us to call and have their number to hand. And finally, the date of when you last saw a dentist and information about existing dental issues is always helpful.
One of the first things you’ll do at your appointment is to fill out a medical history form. This will include all the details we’ve mentioned above. However, you don’t have to wait until you come to the practice. If you’d like to, you can fill out your medical history form online. That way, you don’t need to remember anything but yourself when you turn up for your first dental consultation.
What Will Happen During Your Visit
The very first thing that will happen when you walk through the door at Woden dental practice is that you’ll be greeted with a smile. Our friendly reception team is always there, ready and waiting, and will ensure you are quickly settled in. We advise that you arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time, so you have time to fill out your medical history form. If you’ve already done it online, however, then you’re a step ahead. However, make sure you still allow time. The last thing you want is to have to rush.
When it’s time for your appointment, we’ll guide you into the consultation room. During your first visit, expect to be there for up to an hour. During that time, there will be four key stages to your dental consultation:
- Getting to know you – although you will have already filled out a medical history form, we want to find out more about you. We’ll take the time to find out if you have any concerns, existing dental problems or anxiety about visiting the dentist. This way, we can offer you the best possible level of care to meet your needs.
- Cleaning your teeth – before we carry out a more thorough examination of your teeth, we’ll make sure they’re sparkly clean. This involves removing any plaque or tartar, polishing to remove any stubborn stains and applying a protective layer of fluoride.
- Examining your teeth, mouth and gums – once your teeth have been cleaned, we can get a clear picture of your oral health. Your dentist will inspect your teeth and mouth thoroughly before taking x-rays. This way, we will have an in-depth view of your teeth, gums and jawbone and can catch any problems as early as possible.
- Recommending treatments – after your examination, your dentist will be able to let you know if there are any signs of decay or gum disease or any teeth alignment issues that need addressing. Your dentist will make recommendations for treatment, if necessary, along with giving you general advice on how to maintain your oral health.
What to Do After Your First Dental Consultation
At the end of your first dental consultation, your dentist will ensure you know exactly what to do next. You’ll have a personalised treatment plan for any general dentistry, orthodontic or cosmetic treatments you may require. All you then need to do is plan your next appointment for those procedures. Otherwise, if all is well, it’s just a case of booking in for your next dental consultation near me in six months time. After all, regularly visiting your dentist is one of the key ways to protect your oral health.
