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What Happens at a New Patient Appointment and Dental Exam?

8 / 06 / 2026

Every new patient appointment is designed to give us a complete picture of your oral health. During your dental exam, we will assess your teeth, gums, mouth, and overall dental wellbeing. We take the time to understand your concerns, answer your questions, and recommend any treatment that may be beneficial. Here's what you can expect during your appointment.

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What Happens at a New Patient Appointment and Dental Exam?

Visiting a new dentist for the first time can feel a little daunting. Many patients are unsure what to expect during their first appointment. At Modbury Dental Practice, we aim to make every new patient appointment comfortable, informative, and stress-free.

Our goal is simple. We want to understand your oral health, discuss any concerns, and help you achieve a healthy smile for life.

What Is a New Patient Appointment?

A new patient appointment is a comprehensive dental examination designed to assess your overall oral health. It gives us the opportunity to get to know you, understand your dental history, and create a personalised treatment plan if needed.

We take the time to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you may have about your teeth, gums, or smile.

What Happens During Your New Patient Exam?

A Discussion About Your Dental Health

Your appointment begins with a friendly conversation about your dental and medical history.

We may ask about:

  • Any current dental problems
  • Previous dental treatments
  • Medications you take
  • Medical conditions that may affect your oral health
  • Your smile goals

This information helps us provide safe and effective care.

A Thorough Examination of Your Teeth and Gums

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Your dentist will carry out a detailed examination of your mouth.

This includes checking:

  • Your teeth for decay or damage
  • Existing fillings, crowns, and dental work
  • Gum health
  • Signs of infection
  • Bite alignment
  • Jaw function

A thorough assessment allows us to identify potential problems before they become more serious.

Oral Cancer Screening

As part of every comprehensive dental examination, we perform an oral cancer screening.

This involves examining the soft tissues of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, lips, and throat for any unusual changes.

Early detection is important and can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

Dental X-Rays If Required

Dental X-rays help us see areas that cannot be examined with the naked eye.

They can reveal:

  • Tooth decay between teeth
  • Bone loss
  • Infections
  • Impacted teeth
  • Hidden dental problems

Your dentist will only recommend X-rays when clinically appropriate.

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We May Take Dental Photographs

Dental photographs are an important part of your new patient examination.

Your dentist may take photographs of the inside and outside of your mouth to help assess your oral health and record your smile.

These images allow us to:

  • Monitor changes in your teeth and gums over time
  • Identify areas that may require treatment
  • Explain findings more clearly
  • Help plan future dental treatment
  • Record your oral health accurately

Intraoral photographs show detailed images of your teeth and gums. Extraoral photographs capture your smile and facial profile when relevant to treatment planning.

Taking photographs is quick, comfortable, and completely painless. They provide valuable information that helps us deliver personalised care and achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients.

New patient exam Modbury

Discussing Your Treatment Options

If we identify any concerns, your dentist will explain the findings clearly and discuss the available treatment options.

We believe in helping patients make informed decisions about their dental care.

You will have the opportunity to ask questions and fully understand any recommended treatment before moving forward.

How Long Does a New Patient Appointment Take?

Most new patient appointments take approximately 30 to 60 minutes.

This gives us enough time to carry out a thorough examination and discuss your oral health in detail.

Why Regular Dental Exams Matter

Regular dental examinations are one of the best ways to protect your oral health.

Routine check-ups help to:

  • Detect problems early
  • Prevent dental disease
  • Maintain healthy gums
  • Keep your smile looking its best
  • Reduce the need for complex treatment in the future

Prevention is always better than cure.

Book Your New Patient Appointment at Modbury Dental Practice

Whether you are new to the area or looking for a dental practice that puts your needs first, our friendly team is here to help.

At Modbury Dental Practice, we provide comprehensive new patient examinations in a relaxed and welcoming environment. We take the time to understand your needs and help you achieve long-term oral health.

Contact our team today to book your new patient appointment and take the first step towards a healthier smile.

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What do they say about Modbury Dental Practice?

“I needed a double extraction today and was super nervous. The dentist (Dr Vivek Giddani) was phenomenal. So patient and incredibly skilled, it was over in minutes. Chloe was absolutely lovely too, very caring....”

Tor

“I have been a patient for approximately 20 years at Modbury , always been happy with the practice . The new modernised decor looks beautiful and the whole place feels generally more up to...”

Sarah

“I’ve been using modbury dental service for five years plus and under the new ownership it is still an excellent service. All the staff are super A very relaxing atmosphere awaits anybody that is...”

Karl

“The Modbury team are brilliant. They always provide such friendly and personable service and have constantly put my health and care at the centre of their approach. Thank you.”

Andrew

“I've been using Modbury Dental Practice for 20+ years and have always been very happy. I had some trepidation when visiting it for the first time with the new owners which was totally put...”

Phil

“Excellent service staff are so friendly and welcoming nothing was to much trouble”

Victoria

“Brilliant practice! Visiting and working with the team is a highlight every time.”

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  • 4 Broad St, Modbury
  • Ivybridge
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