Starting with a new dental practice can feel uncertain, especially if it has been a while since your last check-up. You might be wondering what to expect, how long it will take, or whether the dentist will judge you for any gaps in your care. The good news is that a first dental visit is straightforward, supportive and nothing to worry about.
For residents searching for a dentist near Petts Wood, understanding what happens during that first appointment can make a real difference. It removes the anxiety of the unknown and helps you arrive feeling prepared and confident.
At Bromley Smiles Dental, located at 1st Floor, 146 High Street, Bromley, Kent, our friendly and experienced team welcomes new patients from Petts Wood, Orpington, Chislehurst, Bickley and across the surrounding area. If you are ready to take that first step, you can book your new patient appointment here in just a few minutes.
What to Expect When You Arrive at the Practice
When you walk through the door for the first time, the reception team will greet you and ask you to complete a short medical history form if you have not already done so online. This form collects important information about your general health, any medications you are taking and any previous dental treatment you have had.
This step matters because your overall health directly affects your oral health. Certain medications can cause dry mouth, which increases the risk of tooth decay. Some medical conditions are linked to gum disease. Sharing this information helps your dentist provide the safest and most appropriate care from the very beginning.
You will also have the opportunity to mention any specific concerns, whether that is tooth sensitivity, a chipped tooth, discomfort when eating, or simply wanting to understand the current state of your oral health.
Your New Patient Consultation and Oral Health Assessment
Once you are with the dentist, the appointment begins with a thorough conversation. Your dentist will ask about your dental history, any concerns you have noticed and what your goals are for your smile. This is not a test. It is simply a way to understand your individual needs.
The clinical examination that follows is comprehensive. Your dentist will examine each tooth individually, checking for signs of decay, wear, cracks or any areas that need attention. They will also assess your bite and jaw alignment, as these can affect both comfort and long-term dental health.
At Bromley Smiles Dental, a new patient adult examination is priced at £75, and a new patient child examination is £40. You can view the full breakdown of our fees on the fee guide page.
Checking Your Gums
Gum health is assessed carefully during a first visit. Your dentist or hygienist will check for signs of inflammation, recession or early-stage gum disease. If any concerns are identified, they may refer you to our periodontics team for a more detailed assessment.
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy mouth. Catching gum problems early means they are considerably easier to treat and far less likely to affect your teeth in the long term.
Dental X-Rays and What They Show
In most cases, your dentist will recommend taking X-rays during your first visit. These images allow the dental team to see what cannot be seen with the naked eye, including decay between teeth, bone levels around the roots, the health of existing fillings and any signs of infection below the gumline.
X-rays are a routine and safe part of dental assessment. The dosage used in modern dental X-rays is extremely low, and they provide information that is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Intraoral X-rays at Bromley Smiles Dental are priced from £19 to £22 per image. If a more detailed view is needed, an OPG scan is available from £125 or a CBCT scan from £250.
Discussing Your Treatment Plan and Options
Once the examination and X-rays are complete, your dentist will sit down with you and explain everything they have found. This is an honest, clear conversation. They will tell you which areas need attention, which can be monitored, and which are in good health.
If any treatment is recommended, you will be given a full written treatment plan with costs before anything is agreed. You are never pressured into making a decision on the same day. Understanding your options is just as important as the treatment itself.
Depending on what is found, your dentist may recommend general dentistry treatments such as white fillings from £185 or crowns and bridges from £845. For patients with missing teeth, the team can also discuss dental implants as a long-term restorative solution.
If you are interested in improving the appearance of your smile, your dentist may introduce you to cosmetic dentistry options such as teeth whitening from £380, veneers or a full smile makeover. These conversations are entirely led by you and your preferences.
Your Hygiene Appointment and Preventive Advice
For many new patients, the first visit also includes a hygiene appointment, either on the same day or booked shortly afterwards. A scale and polish removes plaque and tartar that cannot be removed by brushing alone, leaving your teeth feeling thoroughly clean.
At Bromley Smiles Dental, a scale and polish is £70. For patients who want a deeper level of clean, Airflow cleaning is available from £89, and deep gum cleaning from £125 per 30 minutes. These treatments are part of our commitment to preventive care, which is always the most cost-effective approach to dental health.
Your hygienist or dentist will also provide personalised advice on brushing technique, flossing, diet and any lifestyle factors that may be affecting your oral health. This guidance is practical and tailored to you, not a generic leaflet.
Flexible Payment and Patient Plan Options
One of the most common reasons people delay visiting a dentist is cost. At Bromley Smiles Dental, we understand that, and we have made it easier to manage the financial side of dental care.
Our patient plan spreads the cost of routine care into a predictable monthly amount, covering check-ups, hygiene appointments and other benefits. For larger treatments, 0% APR finance is available through Tabeo, meaning patients can access the care they need without a significant upfront cost.
Whether you are considering Invisalign from £1,850, prosthetics or All-on-4 implants from £12,500, our finance options make it possible to move forward with your treatment at a pace that suits your budget.
What Happens If You Have Not Visited a Dentist for a Long Time
Many patients arriving for a first appointment at a dentist near Petts Wood have not had a check-up for several years. This is far more common than you might think, and the team at Bromley Smiles Dental approaches every patient with understanding and without judgement.
If more extensive treatment is needed after a long gap in care, your dentist will outline a clear, phased plan that addresses the most urgent concerns first. Patients who have experienced surgical extractions or require specialist input can access specialist dentistry services through the same practice, keeping your care joined up and consistent.
The most important step is simply making the appointment. Everything else follows from there. You can do that right now by visiting our booking page.
Frequently Asked Questions
A new patient appointment at Bromley Smiles Dental typically takes between 45 minutes and one hour. This includes a full medical and dental history review, a clinical examination, X-rays where required and a discussion of your treatment plan. If a hygiene appointment is also booked, this may be scheduled separately or added to the same visit.
It is helpful to bring details of any medications you are currently taking and a note of any dental concerns you would like to discuss. If you have had X-rays taken elsewhere recently, you are welcome to request copies from your previous practice to bring along. The team will guide you through everything else when you arrive.
A new patient examination is non-invasive and should not cause discomfort. Your dentist will look at your teeth and gums carefully, and any areas of sensitivity will be noted rather than prodded unnecessarily. If treatment is recommended and you are concerned about pain, the team will always discuss comfort options with you before proceeding.
Yes. Bromley Smiles Dental offers children’s dentistry alongside adult care, making it a practical choice for families across Petts Wood, Hayes, Downham and the wider Bromley area. New patient child examinations start from £40.
If an urgent issue is identified during your appointment, the team will advise on the most appropriate next steps and aim to prioritise your care. Emergency appointments are also available from £85 for patients who develop a sudden problem. Please contact the practice on 0203 376 3734 or visit the contact page if you need urgent assistance.
At Bromley Smiles Dental, honesty and transparency are central to how the team works. All findings are explained clearly, and only treatments that are clinically appropriate will be recommended. You are always given time to consider your options and ask questions before any decisions are made. You can also learn more about the team behind the practice by visiting the Meet Our Team page.
Conclusion
Your first visit to a dentist near Petts Wood does not need to be stressful. From the moment you arrive at Bromley Smiles Dental, you will be looked after by a professional, caring team that puts your comfort and wellbeing first. You will leave with a clear picture of your oral health, a honest treatment plan if one is needed, and the confidence that comes from knowing exactly where you stand.
Whether you have not visited a dentist in years, are new to the area, or simply want a practice you can genuinely trust, Bromley Smiles Dental is here to help. Serving patients from Petts Wood, Orpington, Bickley, Chislehurst, Sundridge and across Bromley, we make quality dental care accessible and straightforward.
Take the first step today and
We look forward to welcoming you.
