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What to Expect From Your First Dental Visit

Posted by Dr. Julie Boudreault On 13-08-2024

Many patients have complicated feelings about seeing the dentist. That’s why we strive to make your visit a positive one at Milltown Dental clinic. After all, your long-term oral health depends on having a dependable, friendly, and knowledgeable dental team on your side.

Our clinic is set up to set your worries to rest. Not only will you be greeted with a smile upon arrival, but our office is designed with your comfort in mind. Comfy chairs, neck support, cozy blankets, and TVs await you. Plus, we’re ready to answer any questions.

Understanding what to expect from your first dental visit can help alleviate any worries, anxieties, or fears. In this article, we will provide information on what to expect from your first dental visit, so you can feel relaxed and comfortable.

Before Your Appointment

Scheduling Your First Visit

First of all, you need to contact your new dental clinic to book your visit. You can call Milltown Dental directly and avoid searching “dentist near me” online. We recommend choosing a date and time that works best with your schedule.

Ensure that you’ll have ample time before and after your appointment, so you won’t feel rushed. This helps minimize stress, especially if you already suffer from the pre-dentist jitters. Plus, planning enough time off work or school means you’re less likely to miss your appointment.

When you call to schedule your appointment, don’t be afraid to ask how long your cleaning and exam should take. That way, you can plan the rest of your day accordingly.

Since this will be your first time at our dental clinic, your stay will be slightly longer than a routine visit. After all, we need some time to get to know you and learn about your dental history.

Has it been a while since you last saw a dentist? Remember, you should be stopping by for a professional cleaning every six months. If it’s been more than that, then you’ll likely be in the dentist’s chair a little bit longer than normal.

Friendly Reminders

If you need a little extra help remembering your appointments, just let us know! We offer reminders via phone or email two days prior to your appointment. 

Cancellation Policy

Schedules change, sometimes unexpectedly. If you need to cancel your appointment, please let us know at least two business days beforehand. Then, reschedule your appointment as soon as possible.

Filling Out the New Patient Form

Before your first visit to our Milltown Dental clinic, make sure to fill out the New Patient Form. If you have a busy schedule, then you can also fill it out at your appointment. However, please arrive 15 to 20 minutes early so you’ll have enough time to complete the form before your consultation begins.

The form asks about your medical history, including specific conditions and any current medication. This information helps us tailor our dental services to the best care for you. It also asks for your insurance information.

During Your First Appointment

Getting to Know You

At Milltown Dental, we create a personalized dental treatment plan based on your medical history, dental health, and dental goals. In order to do this, we need to get to  know you. Your New Patient Form is very informative; however, we may also ask some additional or follow-up questions.

Similarly, this is a great time for you to ask us any questions you may have and to understand our emergency dentist services in case of a serious dental issue in the future.

Meeting Your Milton Dentist

Dr. Julie Boudreault is the dentist at Milltown Dental. She meets with every new patient at their first appointment, allowing you to ask questions or express any concerns about your dental health. 

Comprehensive Exam

The comprehensive exam provides valuable insights into the current state of your oral health. We take dental x-rays of your mouth and complete an oral cancer screening, which includes examining your jaw, neck, tongue, and inside your mouth. Additionally, we take a close look at your teeth and gums.

During the exam, your dental team looks for signs of developing oral health issues, such as tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and misalignment or bite problems.  From there, we can develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses current challenges and sets you on the path to long-term oral health. We will discuss your options and answer any questions.

Cleaning and Polishing

Next, it’s time to clean your teeth. A dental hygienist should professionally clean your teeth every six months to combat the accumulation of plaque and tartar.

The longer you wait between visits, the more time tartar has to build up on your teeth and around the gum line. Since tartar is a hardened plaque, it cannot be removed by brushing alone. Only professional dental tools can get the job done.

If left unremoved, plaque and tartar can lead to cavities and gingivitis. Consequently, it’s very important to visit your Milton dental clinic every six months for a thorough cleaning!

Once all the plaque and tartar is gone, we polish your teeth. This removes any lingering plaque, as well as light staining. As a result, you’ll leave our clinic with a brighter, whiter, and healthier smile. 

Billing and Insurance

Here at Milltown Dental, we strive to make oral health accessible for all our patients. If you’re without dental insurance, we work with you to come up with a financial plan so you can get the treatments you require.

Please let us know about your financial situation so we can create an appropriate payment schedule that fits your budget. Alternatively, we’re happy to assist you in electronically processing your insurance claim immediately. 

That being said, you do have to pay for your first appointment at our dental clinic, as it takes up to two weeks to organize the assignment of your benefits. 

After Your Appointment

Follow-up Care

If it has been some time since your last dental cleaning, you may experience some soreness after your appointment. This should go away quickly, although you can take over-the-counter pain relievers to speed up the process.

Taking care of your teeth and gums between appointments is very important. This helps ensure your continued oral health, meaning you won’t require any restorative treatments or surgeries during your next visit.

Neglecting your at-home oral hygiene habits increases your risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health conditions. Plus, you’ll have to come back sooner for additional care.

Remember to:

• Brush your teeth twice a day.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss once daily.
• Eat a healthy diet that’s low in sugar.
• Drink plenty of water.

Schedule Your Next Visit

All that’s left to do is schedule your next visit to our Milton dental clinic. Bi-annual appointments are crucial for your long-term oral health, as these provide opportunities to identify developing health issues and remove plaque and tartar build-up from your mouth.

Consequently, choose a date in six months for your next routine appointment. We look forward to welcoming you!

Milltown Dental: Your Milton Dental Clinic

Milltown Dental is ready to welcome you to our clinic. We offer a wide range of comprehensive oral care services in our warm and welcoming location in Milton. Our personalized dental health plans help ensure that you maintain oral health for decades to come. Contact us today to book your consultation with a dentist near you or schedule your next routine checkup.

Are you looking for a dental clinic in Milton, Ontario? To learn more about our great services, call Milltown Dental at (833) 318-3281 or contact us here.

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