Coming to a new dental practice for the first time can feel daunting, particularly if it has been a while since your last visit. We understand that, and we want you to know exactly what to expect before you walk through the door.
Before your appointment
You do not need to prepare anything special for your first visit. If you have dental X-rays from a previous practice and can obtain them, that can be helpful but it is not essential. We will take our own X-rays as needed.
If you take any regular medications, it is worth letting us know when you book, or mentioning it when you arrive. Some medications can affect your oral health or influence how we approach your care. There is no need to bring a list, just mention anything you think might be relevant.
If you feel anxious about dental visits, please tell us. You will not be the first person to say so, and you will not be judged for it. Knowing in advance allows us to structure your appointment in a way that works for you.
When you arrive
Our practice is on the ground floor of the building at 345 Pacific Highway, across from Coles. There is parking nearby on Wolseley Street and behind Coles via Balfour Street, and we are a short walk from Lindfield Station.
When you arrive, our receptionist will welcome you and confirm a few details. Your first appointment is typically around 45 to 60 minutes, though this can vary depending on what we find and how long it has been since your last professional clean.
The examination
Your dentist will begin with a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and soft tissues. This includes checking each tooth individually, assessing your gum health, examining your bite, and looking at the soft tissues inside your mouth including your cheeks, tongue, and the roof of your mouth.
We also screen for early signs of oral cancer as a routine part of every examination. This takes only a minute and is something we consider important to include for every patient.
If X-rays are needed, and for a new patient they usually are, we use digital X-rays which are fast, comfortable, and produce significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays. They allow us to see between and beneath your teeth where a visual examination alone cannot reach, and to identify developing issues before they become more significant problems.
What we are looking for
We are checking for decay, existing restorations that may need attention, gum disease, signs of teeth grinding or clenching, and anything else that might affect your long-term oral health. We take a holistic view. Your bite, jaw, and the overall function of your mouth are just as important to us as the condition of individual teeth.
If we find anything that needs attention, we will explain it clearly in plain language. We will show you on the X-ray or with a small camera if that helps. We will tell you what the options are, what we recommend and why, and what happens if it is left untreated. We will never recommend treatment you do not need, and we will never pressure you into making a decision on the spot.
The clean
After the examination, your dentist will perform a professional scale and clean. This removes the hardened deposits, called calculus or tartar, that build up on teeth over time and cannot be removed by brushing alone. We will also polish your teeth and, where appropriate, apply a fluoride treatment.
The clean can feel a little sensitive in areas where your gums are inflamed, but it should not be painful. If you are finding it uncomfortable at any point, please let us know and we will adjust our approach.
After your appointment
At the end of your visit we will summarise what we found, discuss any treatment that may be needed, and answer any questions you have. We will also give you personalised advice on your home care routine. Not a generic lecture, but specific observations about what we noticed and what might help.
If treatment is recommended, we will provide a clear treatment plan with costs before scheduling anything. There is no obligation, and you are welcome to take the plan away and think about it.
We will also recommend a recall interval, which is how soon we suggest you come back for your next check-up. For most patients this is six months, though some benefit from more or less frequent visits depending on their individual situation.
A note on anxiety
If you have not been to a dentist for a long time, you may be worried about what we will find, or concerned that we will be judgmental about the state of your teeth. We want to be clear: we are not here to make you feel bad about the past. We are here to help you from where you are now. Whatever we find, we will deal with it calmly and without judgement.
The most important step is simply making the appointment. Everything else we can work through together.
Ready to book your first visit?
We welcome new patients at Lindfield Fine Dentistry and would love to be your dental practice on the North Shore. Book online at any time, or call us on (02) 9880 8292 during business hours.