You may have meant to book a check-up a long time ago. Then work got busy, money was tight or a bad experience made you put it off. Now so much time has passed that booking feels harder than it should. Whether it's been five years or 20, this guide explains what to expect when you return to The Dental Place in Reservoir.
Will the Dentist Judge You for Staying Away?
No. Our job is to look after your teeth from where they are today, not to ask why you stayed away. People delay dental care for many ordinary reasons, including cost, fear, family responsibilities and long work hours.
You do not need to clean your teeth extra hard before your visit or apologise for their condition. We would rather see you now than wait until something hurts. If you feel embarrassed, you can tell us at the start. We will explain what we find in plain language and focus on what you can do next.
What If You Feel Anxious About the Dentist?
Dental anxiety is a common reason for staying away. It can come from a painful past visit, the sounds and smells of a clinic or a general fear of losing control.
Please let us know about any anxiety when you book or when you arrive. Some things that may help include:
- Agreeing on a hand signal so you can ask us to stop at any time
- Taking short breaks during your appointment
- Having each step explained before it happens
- Booking a morning appointment so you have less time to worry
For some patients, sedation may be an option. Dr Rachel Zheng offers nitrous oxide, often called happy gas, for suitable patients. For more complex treatment or strong anxiety, Dr Drew Langan provides treatment under general anaesthetic.
You can read more on our [sleep dentistry page]. We will talk with you about whether sedation suits your health and the treatment you need. https://www.thedentalplace.com.au/services/sleep-dentistry/36704
What Happens at Your First Visit in Reservoir?
Your first appointment is about getting a clear picture of your oral health. It usually includes these steps.
1. A Conversation First
We start by asking about your health, any medications and concerns about your teeth. This is a good time to mention pain, sensitivity or anything you have noticed.
2. A Full Examination
Your dentist checks your teeth, gums, bite and the soft tissues of your mouth. We take an OPG, a single X-ray that shows your whole mouth, including your jaw and wisdom teeth. We also take clinical photos, so you can see what we see on a screen.
3. A Professional Clean
We remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from your teeth, then polish them and apply fluoride. If you have a lot of tartar buildup after several years, you may need more than one clean. Some patients also need gum treatment. Our oral health therapist, Kimberly Karp, is especially interested in preventing and managing gum disease.
4. Your Treatment Plan
If we find any problems, we explain each one, how urgent it is, and your options. We explain the costs before any treatment begins. You do not have to decide anything that day.
What If You Need a Lot of Work?
After years away, you may need more than one treatment. That doesn't mean you have to do everything at once. We can help you organise treatment, starting with anything causing pain or infection. We can spread less urgent work over several months to suit your budget and schedule.
What Will Your First Visit Cost?
Cost is often the main concern for people returning to the dentist, so we try to make it clear from the start.
Our new patient exam and clean is $249. It includes a comprehensive examination, an OPG X-ray, clinical photos, a professional clean, polish, and fluoride treatment. Terms and conditions apply.
If you have private health insurance with extras cover, your fund may pay part of this cost. With HICAPS, you can claim on the spot and only pay any gap on the day. The amount depends on your fund and level of cover.
For any treatment you need after your first visit, we offer payment options including Zip, Humm, Afterpay and TLC payment plans. Some patients may also be eligible to access their superannuation early through SuperCare. Each has its own eligibility rules, fees, and terms, so our team can explain them before you decide.
Taking the First Step Back to the Dentist
Booking that first appointment is often the hardest part. Our clinic on Broadway in Reservoir welcomes patients from Kingsbury, Preston, Bundoora, Thomastown and nearby suburbs. We are open Monday to Friday.
If you are ready to book your new patient exam and clean, we invite you to contact our team or book online. If you have questions about anxiety, cost or what to expect, we are happy to talk them through before you commit.