New Patient Appointment

A New Patient Assessment takes 30 minutes to complete.  This appointment is designed to gain as much information as possible and to establish what the patient would like to achieve.  Patients are encouraged to bring a list of questions and concerns regarding their particular expectations. Both Dentist and patient can decide together on the most appropriate treatment to achieve a healthy and natural smile.

The following will be done in the new patient examination:

• Completing a medical history questionnaire. Your detailed medical history will be obtained and maintained in our records for reference during your treatment. There are many medical conditions and medications that may influence  your dental conditions and treatment.
• Extra oral examination. Examination of your jaw joint and mouth opening will be examined and recorded.
• Dental Charting. During an intra oral examination, the dentist will count around your teeth and make a note of any fillings that are present, any teeth that are missing and any decayed  teeth or areas that they want to keep an eye on.
• Periodontal Probing. Your dentist will also want to have a look at the foundations of your teeth, or in technical terms ‘your gingiva’. You may have noticed from time to time, when you are brushing your teeth that there is a little bit of blood when you spit out. This bleeding may indicate the presence of gingivitis or gum disease. The dentist has a small probe with a special tiny ball on the end of it, imaginatively called ‘the ball-ended probe’. This is used to gently run around the necks of your teeth where they meet the gums. The first signs of gum disease always start here. By doing this, your dentist can identify any areas where gum disease is present.
• Oral cancer screening. Examining  the soft tissues of your mouth for any abnormal findings is one of the most important steps. Tongue, check, palate floor of the mouth and all other areas of your mouth  is screened thoroughly for any white patches.
• Intra-oral camera. The dentist also has a small handheld camera with which he can take close-up pictures of your teeth and then display them on a screen. These pictures can be used to explain things more thoroughly so you can see what is actually happening in your mouth. This will help you make the right choices during treatment planning.
• X-rays. Radiographs  are an important part of any dental examination to help diagnose any problems under the surface or around the foundations of the teeth. X-rays will be taken only if the dentist feels  it is necessary at this stage.
• Oral Health Education. Your dentist will  give you advice on  your oral health including nutrition, smoking cessation and plaque control and the use of various oral care products, their purpose and how to use them effectively.

Treatment planning and estimate of cost and time.

At the end of your appointment, should you require any treatment, your Dentist will  go through your treatment options. They will give you information and prices of different appropriate treatments for your specific condition and help you reach a decision according to your needs and budget. They will also be happy to discuss any payment queries you may have. Our aim is to customize an oral care program for you.  Our Treatment Co-ordinator is also available should you wish to discuss your treatment with her or have any queries.