What To Expect At My Dentist Appointment

Boasting a 5-star rating from over 7,000 Google reviews, Yorkshire Dental Suite has been trusted with the smiles of the nation – and yours could be next. Book a consultation today.

You’ve found a dentist you feel comfortable with, picked up the phone and booked your first appointment. But what happens next? And how do you best prepare yourself for the day of your visit?

Whether it’s been a few years since your last appointment or you just feel nervous about going to the dentist, knowing what to expect may help put your mind at ease. In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know about your dental appointment so you can feel more confident before you arrive.

For the purpose of this blog, ‘dentist appointment’ refers to a consultation.

What to do before a dentist appointment

Many patients visit the dentist because they are experiencing pain or discomfort, while others are looking to enhance the appearance of their smile. Whatever brings you to Yorkshire Dental Suite, identifying what you’d like to discuss before your appointment helps our team understand your concerns and tailor your visit accordingly.

Here’s how you can ready yourself for the day of your visit:

1. Make a note of your symptoms and concerns: Bleeding gums, plaque, toothache, stains, bad breath – no concern is too small. Identify when the problem started and how frequently it is occurring.
2. Prepare questions: Do I have any cavities? Are my teeth in need of assistance? How much can I expect to pay? Write down your burning questions so you don’t forget them on the day.
3. Think about the end goal: Consider what you specifically want to change, address or maintain. Your dentist will use this information to create a treatment plan and timeline.
4. Communicate any fears or nerves: We understand that visiting the dentist is an intimidating task for many. Contact us ahead of your appointment so we are able to make the appropriate accommodations.

Before heading to your clinic, we suggest doing the following:

1. Brush and floss your teeth: To remove bacteria and food particles stuck between the teeth. Why is this important? A freshly cleaned mouth makes your oral examination easier for the dentist.
2. Make sure you have eaten and drunk plenty of water: Especially if you are nervous of the dentist, as this can help to minimise the risk of feeling faint or dizzy. Just remember to clean your teeth after!
3. Eat a breath mint or chew sugar-free gum (optional): If you are concerned about bad breath, or just want to make it a more pleasant experience for your dentist, freshen up with mint or chewing gum before heading into the clinic.
4. Pack essential items: Your dentist may ask to see your ID. Don’t forget to bring your method of payment either and a list of your current medications for a smooth appointment.

What to expect at my dentist appointment

You will first be greeted by the friendly front of house team, before being led to your treatment room to meet your dentist. Then, once you’re comfortable in the chair, we can get started with your appointment.

Conversation and examination

Tell your dentist your goals and concerns. They will then review your medical history and conduct a thorough oral health examination, including X-rays and scans, to get a clearer idea on the condition of your oral health.

Next steps

Based on your symptoms (if any are present) and eventual smile goals, your dentist will talk you through what happens next, which may include dental treatment, before going into more detail about costs and your overall treatment timeline.

We have created the following tables to show you what these next steps could look like. These tables have been split into two categories – the first for patients experiencing some sort of discomfort and pain, and the second for cosmetic makeovers.

Rest assured, your dentist will also give you advice on how to manage your symptoms and take care of your oral health in the long term, alongside providing treatment suggestions. Let’s move onto the suitable next steps for cosmetic concerns.

If your dentist has suggested a treatment and you are happy to go ahead, you can book and pay for your procedure the very same appointment, or simply call the practice whenever is convenient for you.

How to maintain healthy teeth

Whether you’re in between check-ups or waiting for treatment to begin, it is important that you know how to look after your teeth in the meantime. It’s also vital for your long-term oral health. Here are our top tips:

Brush your teeth twice a day: For two minutes at a time. Use a high-quality toothbrush and toothpaste containing at least 1400ppm of fluoride (the amount recommended by the Oral Health Foundation) if you are over the age of 7.

• Floss regularly: Whether it’s with a water flosser, string floss or interdental brush, flossing everyday helps to remove bacteria and food particles that have become trapped between the teeth.
• Don’t ignore pain: The quicker you treat a potential problem, the higher the chance the tooth can be saved. Contact your dentist as soon as possible if you are experiencing severe or continuous discomfort.
• Be considerate of your diet: Sugary, starchy and acidic foods wear down the enamel over time. Pigmented substances may cause discolouration, while hard, crunchy foods pose a risk of chips and cracks.
• Protect your teeth: Especially if you play contact sports or grind your teeth. A great way to do this is by wearing a mouthguard. Try to avoid using your teeth like tools too, for example, to rip a clothing tag off.
• Stop smoking and vaping: These habits pose serious risks to your overall health. They also cause issues such as gum disease and discolouration. Contact your GP for advice on how to stop smoking.
• Don’t avoid the dentist: We can identify any underlying dental problems that are invisible to the un-trained eye. Avoiding the dentist may also amplify any fears in nervous patients.

Are any dentists near me taking new patients?

Yorkshire Dental Suite is taking new patients across all nine of our clinics. Our locations include Leeds, Hull, Wakefield, York, Liverpool, Manchester, London and Birmingham. Simply fill out the contact form on our website and select your chosen practice for a free call back. Then, you can book a dentist appointment when it feels right for you.

Why choose Yorkshire Dental Suite as your dentist?

Yorkshire Dental Suite is a highly-respected brand in UK dentistry. Since launching in 2016 we have opened nine practices nationwide, allowing us to transform the smiles of countless patients.

We have earnt a 5-star rating from over 7,000 Google reviews and work with clinicians at the very top of their game for life-changing results. Each clinician is registered with the General Dental Council (GDC), meaning your safe is in safe hands.

Finally, your visit to Yorkshire Dental Suite is made with your comfort in mind. Each state-of-the-art clinic has been meticulously designed to feel more like a trip to a spa than a dental practice, while our friendly team are here to support you during every step of your journey.

Conclusion:

If you want to enhance the appearance of your smile, have an issue that needs addressing or simply want a check-up to ensure your oral health is in good condition, book an appointment with Yorkshire Dental Suite today.