Walking into a new practice for the first time can feel like a lot.

Will I be lectured about my teeth? Will they try to sell me something I don’t need? Will they start treatment before I’ve even sat down properly?

We hear these worries often, so let’s answer them up front.

Your first visit focuses on assessment and discussing your options. Let us know about urgent concerns or anxiety when booking so we can plan appropriately.

Here’s exactly what does happen.

Before you arrive

When you book

When you get in touch, we’ll ask a few quick questions: what’s brought you in, whether you’ve been referred, and whether you have any concerns about the visit, including nerves. If you’re anxious, please mention it. It helps us plan.

This is also a good time to ask about the consultation fee and how long to allow for your appointment, so there are no surprises on the day.

Do you need a referral?

Many periodontal practices in Australia see patients with or without a referral. If your dentist or GP has referred you, bring the letter along. If you’re not sure, just ask when you book.

Paperwork

You’ll be asked to complete a form covering your contact details, medical history and medications. It helps to have your medication names on hand so the details are accurate.

What to bring

• A list of your medications, including supplements

• Your health fund card, if you have one

• Any referral letter from your dentist or GP

• Recent dental X-rays or scans, if you have them (or ask your dentist to send them through)

• Your questions, written down so you don’t forget them

• Headphones, if music helps you relax

Who you’ll meet

Our front-of-house team. They’ll welcome you, check your details, and answer questions about appointments, fees and health funds.

Your treating clinician. They’ll lead your examination, explain what they find in plain language, and talk you through your options.

Our clinical support team. A dental assistant will help you settle in, assist during the examination, and check you’re comfortable throughout.

If ongoing gum care becomes part of your plan, you may also see other members of the Prime Perio clinical team at future visits for cleaning and maintenance.

What happens during the visit

1. A conversation first

Before anyone looks in your mouth, we sit down and talk. We’ll ask:

• What’s bothering you or brought you in?

• How long has it been going on?

• What have you tried already?

• What would you like to achieve?

• Any worries about treatment, costs or past dental experiences?

We’ll also go through your medical history. Conditions like diabetes, and medicines such as blood thinners or some bone medications, can affect gum health and treatment planning.

2. A thorough examination

Your gums. We gently measure the space between your gums and teeth at several points around each tooth using a thin probe. This is called periodontal charting, and it’s the most important part of a gum assessment. It can feel a little tender if your gums are inflamed.

Your teeth. We check for loose teeth, recession, wear, decay and existing dental work.

Your bite. We look at how your teeth come together.

Your mouth overall. We check the soft tissues of your mouth as part of the examination.

3. Imaging, if needed

We may recommend X-rays to see the bone levels around your teeth. If you’re considering implants, a 3D scan (CBCT) may be recommended to assess the height and width of your bone. We’ll explain why before any imaging is taken.

4. Explaining what we found

This is where we slow down.

We’ll show you your measurements and images and explain what they mean. If something is healthy, we’ll tell you. If something needs attention, we’ll explain why, what might happen if it’s left, and how urgent it is (or isn’t).

5. Your options

If treatment is recommended, we’ll talk you through the options that suit your situation, including their benefits, risks, timeframes and costs. Where more than one option is reasonable, we’ll lay them out side by side.

What you won’t be asked to do

• Your first visit focuses on assessment and discussing your options. Let us know about urgent concerns or anxiety when booking so we can plan appropriately.

• You won’t be pressured to sign up. You’ll take your plan home and decide in your own time.

• You won’t be judged. Whether it’s been one year or fifteen since your last dental visit, our job is to help from here.

What you’ll leave with

• A clear explanation of your gum and dental health

• A written treatment plan, if treatment is recommended

• An itemised quote with item numbers you can give your health fund

• Information on payment options, if relevant

• A report to your dentist, if you were referred, so everyone’s on the same page

What about costs and health funds?

The Prime Perio team will let you know the consultation fee when you book.

If you have extras cover, your fund may pay a rebate on parts of your consultation. You can check by calling them with the item numbers we provide.

Common questions

Let us know about urgent concerns or anxiety when booking so we can plan appropriately.

Can I bring someone with me? Many people find it helpful to have a family member or friend with them, especially when discussing treatment options. Let us know when you book.

What if I just want a second opinion? That’s completely fine. Bring any previous plans, X-rays or quotes you have, and we’ll give you our independent assessment.

What if my gums turn out to be healthy? Then we’ll tell you, and you’ll leave with peace of mind and advice on keeping them that way.

I’ve been told I need an implant. Is this the right first step? Yes. We’ll assess your gums and bone first, because they’re the foundation for any implant. (See: The implant journey: from consult to final tooth.)

Ready when you are

Step 1 – Book your first visit. Get in touch with Prime Perio to arrange a time.

Step 2 – Complete your forms. It only takes a few minutes.

Step 3 – Come in, talk, and get clear answers. Then decide what’s next, in your own time.

Request a consultation

This article is general information and not a substitute for personal dental advice. Health fund rebates vary by fund and level of cover.