What to bring
Bring a list of any medicines you take, including supplements, and note any medical conditions, allergies or recent surgery. If you have had X-rays or treatment elsewhere recently, mention it — it can avoid repeating imaging unnecessarily.
- A list of current medication
- Details of medical conditions and allergies
- Notes on any previous dental treatment
- Questions you would like answered
What usually happens
A first appointment is generally an examination rather than treatment. The dentist reviews your history, examines your teeth, gums, bite and soft tissues, and takes X-rays only if they are clinically justified. You then discuss what was found and what the options are.
Nothing has to be decided in the chair. Ask for the plan and the costs in writing if that helps you think it over.
If you feel anxious
Say so at the start. Agreeing a simple stop signal, asking for each step to be described before it happens, and booking a first appointment that is examination-only are all reasonable requests that many people find make a real difference.
This article is general information and is not a substitute for an examination. If something in your mouth is painful, changing or worrying you, please book a check-up.