New patients
Your first visit, start to finish
A first appointment with us runs about an hour. Here is exactly what happens in it, so nothing about the visit is a surprise.
- 1
Before you arrive
We will send you the intake forms by email so you can fill them in at home. If you would rather do them here, come 15 minutes early and we will give you a clipboard.
- 2
Health history
We go through your medical history, any medications you take, and anything that has worried you about your teeth. Tell us if you are anxious about dental visits — it changes how we pace the appointment.
- 3
Exam and X-rays
A full examination of your teeth, gums, bite and the soft tissues of your mouth, including an oral cancer screening. Digital X-rays are taken where they are needed to see between and beneath the teeth.
- 4
Cleaning
In most cases we clean at the same visit. If your gums need more attention than one appointment allows, we will say so and plan it with you rather than rushing it.
- 5
Your plan and what it costs
We go through what we found, what needs doing now versus what can wait, and give you a written estimate before anything is booked. If you have insurance we will send a predetermination so you know your share in advance.
Nervous about the dentist?
Say so when you book, or tell us at the door. It is a common thing to feel and it is not a nuisance to us. We can go slower, explain each step before it happens, and agree a hand signal for stopping. Nothing gets done at a first visit that you have not agreed to.
Bringing a child?
The Canadian Dental Association suggests a first check-up within six months of the first tooth appearing, and by age one at the latest. Early visits are short and mostly about getting a child comfortable in the chair. A parent or guardian stays with them throughout.
The dentists at Windsor Family Dental are registered with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario as general practitioners, not as specialists. Treatment that calls for a specialist is referred out.