New patients

"What can I do for you?" is usually the first question I ask every new patient. The first matters to be established are why the patient has made the appointment, whether they are in pain and what their expectations are.

A medical history is always taken. Any relevant previous and current medical problems are recorded as well as any current prescription medication being taken. It is very important that all such medical details are declared to the dentist.

After the preliminary essentials, new patients receive a detailed full mouth assessment, examining all the soft tissues including the gums. A full charting of the teeth is recorded, as well as how they bite together (the occlusion) and x-ray pictures are taken as needed. A photograpic record of the teeth is made and held securely on a computer. These will show patients the state of their teeth at the time of the examination. Later photographs will show any new work done to compare with the original.

Any x-ray pictures are developed immediately so a full assessment can be made of the treatment needed. Pain, if any, is always dealt with first. A treatment plan is worked out and a written estimate of the cost given. Click here for examples of the fees (or use the link on the left of the screen).

Very occasionally, in the case of complex problems, I may need time to work out the best line of treatment. For these cases I would see a patient for a second appointment to discuss this, often after writing to the patient to outline what I am proposing to do.

When the first course of treatment has been completed, arrangements can be made for the patient to be seen at regular intervals to keep a check on their dental health. This could be at six, 12 or more months, depending on the dental condition of the patient.