If it has been a while since you last saw a dentist, or you have just moved to the Woodbridge and Vaughan area, booking that first appointment can feel like a big step. Knowing what happens during a new-patient visit takes a lot of the uncertainty out of it. Here is what a typical first visit, exam and cleaning looks like at Occlura Dental, and how to decide how often you should come back.
Before your appointment
A little preparation helps your visit run smoothly:
- Your health history. Make a list of any medications you take (including over-the-counter drugs and supplements), any allergies, and any medical conditions. Some health conditions and medications affect dental care, so this information matters.
- Your insurance or CDCP details. If you have dental benefits or are enrolled in the Canadian Dental Care Plan, bring your plan information so we can confirm your coverage.
- Previous X-rays. If you have recent dental X-rays from another office, you can ask them to send them to us. This can sometimes mean fewer new X-rays are needed.
- Your questions. Jot down anything that has been bothering you – a sensitive tooth, bleeding gums, a chipped filling, or a cosmetic concern.
Plan to arrive about 10–15 minutes early to complete any remaining paperwork.
What happens during a first visit
1. A conversation
We start by talking. The dentist will review your health history and ask about any concerns, past dental experiences and goals. If you feel anxious about dental visits, please tell us. Many people do, and knowing ahead of time lets us explain each step, take breaks when you need them and go at a pace that works for you.
2. X-rays, if needed
X-rays let the dentist see what cannot be seen by eye: decay between teeth, problems below the gum line, the roots of teeth and the bone that supports them. The number and type of X-rays depend on your age, your history and what the dentist sees during the exam. Modern dental X-rays use a low dose of radiation, and we only take the images that are clinically needed.
3. A complete examination
A new-patient exam is more thorough than a quick look at your teeth. The dentist will typically check:
- Each tooth for decay, cracks and worn or broken fillings
- Your gums, including measuring the small spaces between the gums and teeth to screen for gum disease
- Your bite and jaw joints
- The soft tissues of your mouth, tongue, lips and throat, as part of an oral cancer screening
4. Cleaning
A professional cleaning removes plaque and hardened tartar (calculus) that brushing and flossing cannot remove on their own, especially along and below the gum line. Teeth are usually polished afterward to remove surface stains. If you have a lot of buildup or signs of gum disease, the cleaning may be spread over more than one visit.
5. Your results and a plan
At the end of the visit, the dentist will explain what was found, answer your questions and, if any treatment is recommended, walk you through the options. You will receive a cost estimate before any treatment is booked. Nothing happens without your understanding and consent.
How often should you have a checkup?
Many people have heard that everyone should see the dentist every six months. In reality, the right interval is different for different people. The Canadian Dental Association notes that how often you need a checkup depends on your individual oral health.
Your dentist will recommend an interval based on things like:
- How often you have had cavities in the past
- The health of your gums
- Whether you smoke or vape
- Medical conditions such as diabetes, and medications that cause dry mouth
- Whether you have braces, implants, crowns or bridges
- How well you are able to clean at home
Someone with healthy gums and few past cavities may be fine with longer gaps between visits, while someone with gum disease may benefit from coming in more often. Ask your dentist what they recommend for you and why.
Why regular visits matter even if nothing hurts
Most dental problems do not hurt in the early stages. A small cavity or early gum disease is usually painless. By the time a tooth aches, the problem is often larger and the treatment more involved. Regular exams make it more likely that problems are found while they are small and simpler to treat.
Taking care of your teeth between visits
What you do at home makes the biggest difference. The basics:
- Brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush.
- Clean between your teeth once a day with floss, interdental brushes or a water flosser.
- Limit how often you have sugary snacks and drinks – how often matters as much as how much.
- Drink water, especially fluoridated tap water, throughout the day.
- Don’t smoke or vape.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a first visit take?
Plan for about an hour, although it can vary depending on how much time has passed since your last visit and whether X-rays are needed.
It has been years since I saw a dentist. Will I be judged?
No. Many new patients have not been to a dentist in a long time. Our only goal is to understand where things stand and help you from here.
Does the Canadian Dental Care Plan cover exams and cleanings?
Exams, X-rays and cleanings are among the services the CDCP covers for eligible members. The amount you pay depends on your income level and our fees. We’ll go over this with you before your visit. Read our CDCP guide for details.
Book your first visit
Occlura Dental welcomes new patients at 136 Winges Road, Unit 10, in Woodbridge. To book, call (905) 851-0075, email care@occluradental.com or request an appointment online. Please book at least two days in advance.
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for an examination or advice from your dentist.