What to expect at a dental check-up appointment
We recommend our patients visit us every six months for a regular dentist appointment. This allows us to keep a close eye on your oral health, making sure we catch any possible issues before they turn into big problems.
But, we know visiting the dentist isn’t a fun experience for everyone. Whether you’re just super busy and have been putting off booking that check-up for weeks, or whether you feel nervous and anxious about sitting in the dentist’s chair, we want to ensure your visit to us is a great experience. So, to put your mind at ease, here’s what you can expect when you pop in to New Town Dental Care for a check-up. We hope to see you soon!
Before your dental check-up appointment
Usually, we recommend our patients book in for their six month check-up at the end of each previous appointment - this will avoid you forgetting to book later on down the line! We’ll send you a reminder before your check-up appointment to ensure you can still make it, and of course we can offer you an alternative time if it’s no longer suitable.
If it’s your first time visiting our Edinburgh dentists at New Town Dental Care, just give us a call on 0131 556 2776 to book in for your first check-up appointment. You can also submit a New Patient Form online to make joining the practice quick and easy!
Arriving at your dental check-up appointment
New Town Dental Care is handily located in Edinburgh’s New Town, just a short walk from Princes Street. There are plenty of buses which stop nearby, and on-street parking is also available.
Our friendly reception team will welcome you and show you to our comfortable waiting room, where you can relax for a wee while until it’s time for your appointment. If you have any questions about your check-up, our lovely reception team will put you at ease while you wait.
Grab a magazine from our coffee table, enjoy a drink, and sit back and relax!
During your dental check-up appointment
Once it’s time for your check-up, we’ll show you through to your dentist’s office. They’ll start with a quick chat to answer any questions you have and find out if you have any particular concerns. This will allow your dentist to thoroughly check your mouth and keep a close eye on any things which have been bothering you. If you have been feeling any pain, discomfort or unusual sensations - or have any concerns such as bad breath or an unusually dry mouth - let your dentist know so they can advise on the best course of action.
During the dental check-up, you’ll be asked to lie back in the chair and get comfortable. Your dentist will then begin a thorough check of your teeth, gums and mouth. They will be checking for lots of things - from plaque and gum disease to cracks, tooth decay and even the early signs of mouth cancer. Your dentist will reference this against your previous visit to make sure there are no major changes since your last visit.
Once the check-up has been completed, your dentist will then advise on what needs to happen next. For many people, this will simply be another check-up in six months. But if there are any issues, you may be asked to book in for a follow-up treatment, such as an appointment to protect your tooth with a filling. Depending on what issues you have, your dentist may take an x-ray of your mouth to check for any underlying problems.
Dental hygienist appointment
Usually as part of a dental check-up appointment, patients are offered a professional teeth clean which is carried out by our dental hygienists. This will give your teeth a thorough clean to get rid of any plaque or build-up which can be tricky to reach with a toothbrush. If you’re unable to opt for a professional clean during your dental check-up appointment, you can book in for a dental hygienist appointment at another time which suits you.
As part of your check-up and professional clean, our team can also advise on how best to take care of your teeth at home. They may recommend products to add to your dental routine, such as mouthwash or dental floss if you don’t use them already, or let you know which areas of your mouth you need to focus on more when brushing your teeth.
After your dental check-up appointment
Once your check-up is finished, we’ll offer you a rinse to wash out your mouth - and that’s it! You’ll be able to walk out the door and get back to whatever you were doing before. Unless your dentist administered any sort of treatment (which is unusual at a check-up, unless it’s something very quick and simple!), you shouldn’t feel any numbness or pain after a check-up.
Before you leave, your dentist will remind you of any advice or follow-up treatments that are necessary. Our reception team will then get you booked in for your next appointment, whether that’s a follow-up treatment in the coming weeks, or your next check-up in six months. Simple!
If it’s time for your next dental check-up, why not book in with our friendly team of Edinburgh dentists at New Town Dental Care? We welcome patients of all ages, so the whole family can visit in one easy visit! Head over to our Contact page to get in touch and become a new patient with us.