What Happens When You Join a New Dental Practice?

Changing dentist can feel like a bigger undertaking than it really is.

Perhaps you have moved house, your old dentist is no longer convenient or you have simply decided you would like to find a different practice. You may also be returning to dentistry after several years without a check-up.

Whatever your circumstances, knowing what to expect can make joining a new dental practice much easier.

Do you have to wait until you have a dental problem?

No. In fact, finding a dentist before you develop toothache or another urgent problem makes a lot of sense.

Routine dental appointments provide an opportunity for your dentist to look for signs of problems affecting your teeth, gums and mouth. Problems do not always cause obvious pain in their early stages, so waiting until something hurts is not necessarily the best approach.

Once you have found a practice that is accepting new patients, you can usually arrange an initial examination even if you do not currently have any particular concerns.

What information will the dentist need?

When you join a new practice, you will normally be asked for some basic information about your health.

This may include details of any medical conditions, medication you are taking and allergies. There may also be questions about previous dental treatment and whether there is anything in particular you would like the dentist to look at.

It is worth mentioning issues such as sensitivity, bleeding gums, jaw pain or a tooth that occasionally causes discomfort, even if these are not troubling you on the day of your appointment.

You should also tell the team if you are particularly nervous about dental appointments. Knowing this from the outset gives them the opportunity to adapt the appointment and explain things at a pace you are comfortable with.

What happens during the first dental examination?

Your dentist will usually examine your teeth, gums and the rest of your mouth.

As well as looking for obvious dental problems, an examination can help identify signs of tooth decay, gum disease and other changes within the mouth.

You may also be asked about how you care for your teeth at home and about lifestyle factors that can affect oral health.

Dental X-rays are not necessarily required at every appointment, but your dentist may recommend them when they would provide useful information that cannot be seen during a visual examination.

Will you need treatment straight away?

Not necessarily.

If your teeth and gums are healthy, you may simply be advised when to return for your next routine check-up.

If your dentist identifies something that requires attention, they should explain what they have found and discuss the available treatment options with you.

Depending on the problem, treatment could be relatively straightforward, such as a filling or hygienist appointment, or it may require a longer-term treatment plan.

Joining a practice does not mean you have to agree to every optional treatment offered. You should have an opportunity to ask questions and understand your choices.

How often will you need to see the dentist?

The familiar idea that everyone needs a check-up every six months is not quite accurate.

The appropriate interval between dental examinations varies according to the individual. Someone with very healthy teeth and gums and a low risk of dental disease may be advised to attend less frequently than somebody who has ongoing problems or a higher risk of developing them.

Your dentist should advise you when they would like to see you again following your examination.

Hygienist appointments may also form part of your ongoing dental care, particularly if you need additional help maintaining healthy gums or removing deposits that cannot be removed by brushing alone.

What if you are interested in improving your smile?

Joining a new dental practice does not have to be prompted by a dental problem.

Some people start looking for a dentist because there is something about their smile they would like to change. This might include staining, gaps between teeth, crooked teeth or chipped and worn teeth.

If this applies to you, it is still important to begin with an assessment of your dental health. Your dentist can then explain which treatments may be suitable and whether anything needs to be addressed before cosmetic treatment begins.

Depending on the practice, options may include professional teeth whitening, composite bonding, veneers or orthodontic treatments such as clear aligners.

What if you need a dentist urgently?

It is worth finding out how your new practice handles dental emergencies before you actually have one.

Urgent dental problems can include significant toothache, swelling, trauma to a tooth or a restoration becoming damaged or dislodged.

Practices have different arrangements for emergency appointments, so ask what you should do if you develop an urgent problem and whether appointments are normally available at short notice.

Having those details to hand can save time and stress if you suddenly need help.

Choosing a new dental practice in Taunton

If you live in or around Taunton, there are a number of things to consider when deciding where to register for private dental care.

Think about how convenient the practice is to reach, what treatments it provides, whether emergency appointments are available and, importantly, whether you feel comfortable with the dental team.

DentaQuest Taunton is based at Castle Lodge on Castle Green and is currently accepting new patients. The private practice provides routine dental care alongside hygienist appointments, emergency dentistry and a range of restorative and cosmetic treatments.

Finding a new dentist is ultimately about establishing somewhere you are happy to return to, whether you need routine preventive care, help with a dental problem or want to explore ways of changing your smile.

Your first appointment is simply the starting point. It gives you an opportunity to understand the health of your teeth and gums, discuss any concerns and decide what, if anything, needs to happen next.