Haven't Been to the Dentist in Years? Here's What to Expect at Your First Visit

Maybe it's been two years.

Maybe it's been ten.

Maybe you honestly can't remember the last time you sat in a dental chair and the longer you've waited, the harder it feels to make the appointment.

First, we want you to know something:

We're not going to lecture you.

At Woodlands Family Dental, we see patients all the time who have put off dental care. Sometimes it's because they're nervous. Sometimes life got busy. Sometimes money was tight. And sometimes one bad experience at a dental office was enough to keep them away for years.

Whatever your reason, you don't need to explain or apologize.

We're just glad you're here.

“But what if my teeth are really bad?”

This is one of the biggest fears we hear from patients who haven't been to the dentist in a while.

They worry we're going to be shocked.

We won't be.

Dentists see teeth all day, every day. Cavities, broken teeth, missing teeth, gum problems, infections, we've seen it.

And there is almost always something we can do to make things better.

Your first appointment isn't about fixing everything in one day. It's about figuring out where you are, what needs attention, and what your options are.

What actually happens at that first appointment?

We start by listening.

Tell us what's bothering you. Tell us what you're worried about. And definitely tell us if you're nervous.

We'll examine your teeth and gums and take any necessary X-rays so our doctor can understand what's happening below the surface.

Then we'll show you what we see.

If treatment is recommended, we'll explain what we found, what we believe should be addressed first, what can potentially wait, and what your options are.

You deserve to understand your own dental care.

Ask questions. Take notes. Bring your spouse if you'd like.

This isn't a test you have to pass.

It's a conversation.

What if I'm terrified of dental work?

Tell us.

Seriously.

You won't be the first person who has walked into our office and said, “I hate going to the dentist.”

In fact, those are some of our favorite patients to care for.

There are many ways we can make dental appointments more comfortable, and Woodlands Family Dental also offers sedation options for appropriate patients who need additional help relaxing during treatment.

Being afraid doesn't mean you have to keep putting off your teeth.

What if I need a LOT of dental work?

Then we'll make a plan.

One of the most overwhelming things about returning to the dentist after several years is imagining that everything has to be fixed immediately.

It doesn't always work that way.

Some things may need attention sooner than others. Some treatment can potentially be completed in phases. And depending on your situation, there may be different ways to accomplish the same overall goal.

We'll help you understand the priorities so you can make informed decisions about your care.

There's no perfect time to come back.

We wish we could tell every nervous patient this before they spend another year worrying about making an appointment:

You don't need to get your teeth “ready” for the dentist.

You don't need to wait until you're less embarrassed.

And you definitely don't need to apologize.

Just come.

We'll meet you where you are and figure out the rest together.

Looking for a dentist in The Woodlands?

If you've been putting off a dental appointment because you're nervous, embarrassed or simply don't know where to begin, we'd love to meet you.

Woodlands Family Dental cares for patients throughout The Woodlands and surrounding communities, including 77380, 77381. 77382, 77385, 77389 and surrounding areas.

When you schedule your appointment, you can even tell us:

“I'm really nervous about coming in.”

We'll take it from there.

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