5 Things to Expect from Us

Has it been a long time since you've been to the dentist? Maybe you're a little nervous because you don't know what to expect? Or you're just a little curious...

5 things to expect during a New Patient Check Up at Goodlife Dental Studio...

1. Enthusiastic and fun staff members

The first thing you can expect is our friendly accommodating staff who love their job and will make you feel at ease.

We have Dr Nomikos Rakkas who is the principal dentist and a Darwin local. We also have Dr Hannah McVinish who has been with us for 2 years! Our four dental enthusiasts (aka Dental Assistants) are Jenny, Vanessa, Anamaria and Gabby!

We all love dentistry, we want to make sure you love it too!

2. Patient Information

We like to go through a bit of your dental history and discuss your concerns and goals with your smile. This is important because it helps the dentist with planning treatment that suits you individually. Its not a one size fits all approach. It also allows you to have input from the start and talk about your budget.

3. X-rays

We will then start by charting and recording the existing work in your mouth. This will sound like a whole bunch of numbers and letters however it will make sense by the end. The dentist will be looking at:

• soft tissues (e.g. your gums)
• tonsils
• oral cancer screening
• tooth wear
• decay
• which teeth are present
• overall way the teeth bite / occlude
• existing fillings
• cavities

This is the time where we usually consider x-rays. For most people, if its been 2-3 years (depending on your mouth and risk level) you may be due. Or if there is anything significant, we may need to take them. Usually we take routine bitewings which is to see in between the teeth.

Alternatively, we may need a full mouth x-ray which allows us to see root tips, bone levels and most importantly those dreaded wisdom teeth.

4. Photos

For new patients we almost always take a set of intra-oral photos. This is the set that can be seen below. We take these because it is an easy an effective way of explaining things to you as the patient and is an important record for the dentist to plan and refer back to.

5. Treatment Plan

Lastly, but definitely not the least, you get to have a chat with your dentist. You will sit up a the computer and go through any possible treatment you might need.

This is where the charting, photos and x-rays come together. You may also discuss any treatment options that align with your budget and the dentist is there to answer any questions you may have.

Although it is a little time consuming, we like to create a solid foundation from the start. You can't build a house without the blueprints...

The dentist will walk you through your plan which is a prioritised with time frames and prices. The dentist will then group together treatments so that it means less visits so appointments are a lot easier for you.

Lastly, we will recommend and support you with a maintenance check up and clean schedule that works for you - say every 6 months (varies from person to person). This will prevent future problems, keep your mouth healthy and help you maintain your great smile!

This is your completed standard check up. Hopefully a much better experience than anticipated. Any time throughout your visit you are more than welcome (in fact encouraged) to ask as many questions as you want.

We will always involve you in the process and decisions as after all, its your smile and we want you to be happy with it.

If you would like to book in for a check up or ask any questions, give us a call on 08 7979 3246.

We are also available on our Facebook page or email us here.