We understand that for many patients visiting that dentist can be a nerve wracking and stressful experience. Here at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre we will always try wherever possible to make your dental visit as stress free as possible and ensure that you feel totally involved in your dental treatment starting with your initial consultation right through until the work is completed.
We set aside 30 minutes for each new patient consultation to allow us to fully examine your teeth and discuss any concerns you have with regard to your teeth.
Prior to your appointment you will be asked to fill in a medical history form. Many aspects of your general health can directly or indirectly affect your oral health. By being aware of any pre-existing health conditions the team at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre can ensure that you are always provided with the most suitable treatment and will also ensure that we are suitably prepared to manage any medical emergency that may occur appropriately and safely.
The dental nurse will come and collect you from our waiting room.
Once you are comfortably seated in the dental chair you will be given the opportunity to explain your reasons for seeking dental help. This may be because you are experiencing problems with your teeth and gums or have a special occasion looming which means you want your teeth photo ready. Whatever the reason the dentist will be able to take this into account when designing your ideal treatment plan.
Assess your teeth and gums
The dentist will then inspect your teeth, gums, and soft tissues. This will include thorough examinations of the facial musculature, the jaw joints, the upper part of the neck, followed by the inside of the mouth including the directly visible throat area, the tongue, the cheeks, the palate, and the floor of the mouth. This will also include an oral cancer assessment. The teeth and the gums will be visually inspected with special dental instruments that might cause some discomfort but usually lasts for a very short time. The better the health of your gums, the less discomfort you may feel. An intra-oral camera will also be used to aid the discussion of the state of your oral health.
X-rays
X-rays will also normally be taken to assess for any decay present underneath the surfaces or between teeth. Any problems picked up on the x-rays can be shown to you on our digital monitor whilst you are in the dental chair.
All details will be recorded onto our computer system and will provide the basis for your ongoing treatment. By completing a detailed patient assessment, we are able to track your dental health between visits and over time.
We would typically advise you to attend for a routine examination every 6 months, as here at Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre our focus is on preventive dentistry and being proactive with regard to improving oral health. By identifying any problems early, we can reduce the risk of painful toothaches and the amount of treatment needed.
Oral Hygiene Routine
The dentist will discuss your oral hygiene routine and recommend oral care products which will best ensure that you remove all the plaque from your teeth. This will normally be a combination of using a fluoride toothpaste twice a day and interdental cleaning aids, floss, or interdental brushes to clean the areas between your teeth at least once a day. They will also talk to you about your diet and how sugar and acid present in fruit juice and fizzy drinks can affect your dental health. A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and minerals can help to prevent gum disease and protect against mouth cancer.
Following your appointment, we will, if necessary, provide you with a full and detailed written treatment plan, detailing the various costs of options available to you.
Call Maidstone Dental & Implant Centre on 01622 682 029and book a new patient consultation to find out how we can help you get you smile ready!
