Taking that first step to visit a new dentist can feel overwhelming. Whether you’ve just moved to the Eastside for a tech job, haven’t been to the dentist in years, or you’re simply looking for a dental home that better fits your needs, the unknown can create anxiety.
What will they find? How long will it take? Will it hurt? These are all normal concerns.
A new patient dental exam in Bellevue is designed to be thorough yet comfortable and judgment-free. This comprehensive guide walks you through exactly what happens during your first visit, from the moment you check in to when you schedule your next appointment.
What Included in a New Patient Dental Exam?
A new patient dental exam is more comprehensive than a routine cleaning appointment. Think of it as your dental baseline. Your dentist creates a personalized care plan. The exam typically takes 60 to 90 minutes and includes:
- Medical History Review: Your dentist will ask about your overall health, medications, allergies, and any dental concerns you’ve been experiencing. This information helps them understand how your general health affects your oral health and vice versa.
- Digital X-Rays: These images allow your dentist to see what’s happening beneath the surface—between teeth, below the gumline, and in the jawbone. Modern digital X-rays use significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays.
- Comprehensive Oral Examination: Your dentist will check every aspect of your mouth—teeth, gums, tongue, throat, and jaw joints. They’re looking for cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, bite alignment issues, and signs of teeth grinding or TMJ problems.
- Professional Cleaning: A dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup, polish your teeth, and may apply fluoride treatment. If you’re curious about the difference between a cleaning and cosmetic treatments, you can learn the difference between teeth cleaning and whitening.
- Treatment Planning: Based on their findings, your dentist will discuss any issues discovered and recommend a treatment plan if needed. Not everything has to be done immediately—you’ll prioritize together based on urgency and your budget.
The purpose of this thorough first visit is simple: catch problems early when they’re easier and less expensive to treat, establish your oral health baseline, and build a relationship with a dental team you trust.
Step-by-Step: What to Expect During Your Visit
Understanding the flow of your appointment can help ease first-visit jitters. Here’s what a typical 60-90 minute new patient visit looks like from the moment you walk in the door.
Before You Arrive: What to Bring
Don’t show up empty-handed. You’ll need:
- Your dental insurance card and photo ID
- A list of current medications (including over-the-counter supplements)
- Any dental records from your previous dentist (or their contact info so your new office can request them)
- A list of questions or concerns you want to discuss
Many Bellevue dental practices send digital forms via email before your appointment. Fill them out at home to skip the clipboard in the waiting room, a time-saver if you’re squeezing this in between meetings.
Arrival and Check-In (10-15 minutes)
Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early for your first visit. The front desk will verify your insurance, make copies of your ID and insurance card, and answer any billing questions. This is your chance to ask about payment options or whether your plan covers specific treatments.
Pro tip: If you have dental anxiety, mention it now. The staff can note it in your chart and take extra steps to keep you comfortable.
Meeting Your Hygienist (5-10 minutes)
You’ll be escorted to the treatment room where you’ll meet your dental hygienist. They’ll review your medical history, asking about everything from heart conditions to pregnancy to medications.
This isn’t small talk. Conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis, or even stress can affect your oral health and treatment approach. Be honest about any dental fears or past bad experiences so they can adjust their approach.
X-Rays (5-10 minutes)
The hygienist will take a series of digital X-rays. You’ll wear a lead apron, and they’ll position small sensors inside your mouth at different angles. It’s slightly awkward but not painful. The whole process takes about 10 minutes, and the images appear on the screen immediately—no more waiting for film to develop.
The Exam (10-15 minutes)
Your dentist will come in to examine your mouth, reviewing the X-rays on a monitor while checking your teeth, gums, bite, and jaw. Many Bellevue dentists use intraoral cameras (tiny cameras that show you exactly what they’re seeing on a screen). Expect them to call out numbers and findings to an assistant who’s charting everything.
During this exam, your dentist will evaluate whether you might need procedures down the road. For example, if your wisdom teeth are positioned problematically, they might discuss when adults should get wisdom teeth removed. If they spot a tooth that may need extraction, they can explain the timeline and costs associated with tooth extractions in Bellevue.
The Cleaning (30-45 minutes)
After the exam, your hygienist takes over for the cleaning. They’ll use a small metal tool (a scaler) to remove hardened tartar, especially around the gumline and between teeth. You might hear scraping sounds, and that’s normal.
Next comes polishing with a gritty paste that removes surface stains, followed by flossing. If your gums are healthy, they may finish with a fluoride treatment. If it’s been years since your last cleaning, this part might take longer and feel more intense. Your gums may bleed a bit, especially if there’s inflammation, but that’s perfectly normal.
Discussion and Treatment Planning (10-15 minutes)
Your dentist returns to discuss what they found. They’ll explain any problem areas using the X-rays and photos as visual aids. If you need treatment, they’ll outline a plan with priorities: what’s urgent, what can wait, and estimated costs. You’re never obligated to schedule treatment on the spot. Take time to consider your options, get a second opinion if needed, or check your insurance coverage.
Scheduling Your Next Visit (5 minutes)
Before you leave, the front desk will help you schedule your next six-month cleaning and any treatment appointments. Many Bellevue offices offer online scheduling, early morning slots (7 AM), or Saturday appointments to work around demanding work schedules.
First Dental Visit in Years: What to Expect
If it’s been a while since your last dental appointment, you might be feeling a mix of guilt and anxiety. Maybe life got busy with work demands at one of Bellevue’s tech companies, or perhaps a bad experience in the past kept you away.
Be Honest About Your History
When your dentist asks how long it’s been since your last visit, tell the truth. If it’s been two years, five years, or even a decade, being upfront helps your dentist provide better care.
They’ll adjust their approach, take extra time to explain findings, and ensure you’re comfortable throughout the process. Hiding your dental history doesn’t protect you, it limits their ability to help.
What They Might Find
After years away from the dentist, it’s realistic to expect your exam might reveal some issues that need attention. Common findings include:
- Cavities that have developed or grown over time
- Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) from plaque and tartar buildup
- Worn or cracked teeth from grinding or general wear
- Teeth that may need extraction if decay or damage is severe
If extractions come up, know that most dental insurance plans do cover extractions, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
You Don’t Have to Fix Everything at Once
This is crucial to understand: discovering multiple problems doesn’t mean you need to address them all immediately. Your dentist will help you prioritize based on what’s urgent (like infections or severe pain) versus what can wait. Many patients phase their treatment over several months, tackling the most critical issues first and spreading out costs.
Success Stories Are Common
Patients who return to dental care after years away often feel relieved and empowered once they take that first step. Modern dentistry is more comfortable than you remember. Digital technology, improved anesthetics, and a focus on patient comfort mean your experience will likely be better than you anticipate.
Thousands of people in Bellevue restart their dental care every year and build healthy, sustainable oral health routines. The hardest part is making the appointment. Once you’re in the chair, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.
New Dental Exam After Switching Dentists:
Changing dentists is incredibly common, especially in a transient city like Bellevue where many residents relocate for work. Whether you’ve moved from another state, your insurance changed, or you’re simply seeking a practice that’s a better fit, switching dentists doesn’t have to be complicated.
Common Reasons People Switch
People change dentists for many valid reasons: relocating to the Bellevue area, seeking a practice with more advanced technology, finding a dentist who specializes in certain treatments (like cosmetic dentistry or sedation), insurance network changes, or simply wanting a practice with more convenient hours or a better chairside manner.
All of these are perfectly reasonable motivations. If your insurance has changed and you’re not sure whether your new dentist accepts it, you ca learn how to verify if a Washington dentist accepts your insurance before your first appointment.
Transferring Your Dental Records
Contact your previous dentist’s office and request that your records be sent to your new practice. Most offices can transfer records electronically within a few days.
Your records typically include X-rays, treatment history, notes about previous procedures, and information about ongoing issues or concerns. Having this history helps your new dentist understand your dental journey and avoid repeating unnecessary tests.
Why You Still Need a New Patient Exam
Even with transferred records, your new dentist will still want to perform a comprehensive exam. Every dentist has their own diagnostic approach and may notice things your previous dentist didn’t. Plus, conditions change over time, so establishing a new baseline with your current dentist ensures continuity of care going forward.
Questions to Ask Your New Dentist
Come prepared with questions: What technology do you use? Do you offer emergency appointments? What’s your approach to preventive care versus restorative work? How do you handle patient anxiety? The answers will help you determine if this practice is the right long-term fit for you.
Special Offers: Save on Your New Patient Exam
At btyDENTAL, we believe everyone deserves access to quality dental care. That’s why we offer special pricing for new patients to make your first visit as affordable as possible.
New Patient Exam & Cleaning Special: $199
Our comprehensive new patient package includes everything you need for just $199:
- Complete dental examination
- Full set of X-rays
- Professional cleaning
This all-inclusive price makes it easy to get the care you need without breaking your budget. It’s our way of welcoming you to the btyDENTAL family.
New Patient Welcome Gift
As a thank you for choosing btyDENTAL, we’re excited to offer all new patients a FREE tote bag and lip balm at your first visit. It’s a small token of our appreciation as we welcome you to our dental family.
We Accept Most Major Insurance Plans
btyDENTAL works with most major insurance providers to make your care as affordable as possible. We accept:
- Delta Dental
- Premera Blue Cross
- United Concordia
- UnitedHealthcare
- MetLife
- Humana
- GEHA
- Aetna
- Cigna
Our team will work directly with your insurance company to maximize your benefits and minimize your out-of-pocket costs.
Hablamos Español | 한국어 가능합니다!
We’re proud to serve diverse communities across Washington. Our multilingual team speaks Spanish and Korean, ensuring you can communicate comfortably about your dental care in the language you prefer.
Ready to Schedule Your New Patient Exam?
Now that you know exactly what to expect, there’s no reason to put off your dental care any longer. At btyDENTAL, we make your first visit comfortable, thorough, and completely judgment-free.
Whether it’s been six months or six years since your last dental appointment, our team is here to help you start fresh with a comprehensive exam that puts your comfort and health first.
Our state-of-the-art technology, flexible scheduling options, and patient-centered approach make getting the dental care you deserve easier than ever. Schedule your new patient exam today at any of our convenient Washington locations:
Bellevue | Puyallup | Tacoma | DuPont | Federal Way | Sumner | Lynnwood | Bonney Lake
