New patient exam in Upminster: What to expect at your first dental appointment

At Church View Dental, we are proud to provide both NHS dentistry and private care for patients of all ages. For over 100 years, families in Upminster and the surrounding local community - including Hornchurch, Romford, Brentwood, Elm Park, Cranham, Harold Wood, Gidea Park and Rainham - have trusted us to look after their smiles.

Your first dental visit is an important step. It’s designed to give you and your dentist a complete picture of your oral health, identify any issues early, and help us create a personalised plan, including any dental treatments, to keep your gums and smile healthy. It's also a great time to discuss any goals you have, such as straightening, whitening, or even replacing missing teeth with dental implants.

Let's dive in - so that you know exactly what to expect, from the moment you step through the doors of your dental practice.

What is an 'initial consultation' at the dentist?

Your initial consultation is a detailed dental check-up carried out when you first join our dental practice. It’s more in-depth than a routine check-up because it allows our expert team to get to know you, your dental history, your goals for any future dental treatment to enhance your smile, and your overall oral health needs.

During your first appointment, our expert dentists in Upminster will:

• Review your medical and dental history
• Carry out a full inspection of your teeth, gums and soft tissues
• Check your bite and jaw function
• Screen for early signs of oral cancer
• Take X-rays if needed to see below the surface
• Discuss treatment options, lifestyle habits and any concerns you may have

This thorough procedure ensures that every patient - whether NHS or private - receives expert, professional care.

What does the initial dental check-up cover?

Your first dental visit covers much more than just looking at your teeth. We take the time to check every part of your oral health.

• Gum health: spotting signs of gum disease early can safeguard against long-term problems
• Tooth condition: identifying cavities, cracks, worn fillings, or gaps
• Preventive support: advice on cleaning, brushing, flossing and fluoride treatments
• Oral cancer screening: a vital inspection for your safety
• Hygiene services: many patients choose to book a hygiene visit at the same time for a professional clean, scale and polish

This complete overview allows us to recommend the best next steps, whether that’s simple continued care advice, a filling, a crown or bridge, or even cosmetic dentistry treatments to enhance your smile and achieve your goals.

Flexible dental care: NHS and private options in Upminster, Essex

At Church View Dental, we’re proud to provide both NHS and private dental treatments.

• NHS dentistry in Upminster - covers clinically necessary treatment such as check-ups, fillings, extractions and dentures. It’s ideal for those who want essential care provided cost-effectively.
• Free NHS children's dentistry in Upminster - NHS dental care is free for children under 18, making it simple for families in Upminster, Hornchurch and beyond to keep little smiles healthy.
• Private dentistry in Upminster - offers more treatment choice and appointment flexibility. Private treatments include teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, composite bonding, clear aligners, dental implants, orthodontics and facial aesthetics. You’ll also benefit from longer appointment times, a wider choice of materials, sedation services, and innovative treatments delivered by our experienced team.

Whether you join us as an NHS or private patient, you’ll receive the same high-quality care from a dedicated team that always goes the extra mile.

Why choose Church View Dental as your family dentist?

Choosing the right practice is about more than just booking a check-up. Patients across Essex choose our Upminster dental practice because:

• We’ve been trusted for over 100 years to care for the Upminster community and protect the health of their smiles
• We provide both NHS and private dentistry - all under one roof
• We support the whole family - from a child’s first tooth to advanced treatments for adults
• We offer a complete range of services, from general dentistry, orthodontics like Invisalign, and preventive support to cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and specialist treatments, all delivered by our experienced general and cosmetic dentists to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
• Our caring team welcomes nervous individuals - including children - and can provide sedation as needed, to reduce discomfort and help you feel comfortable
• Our modern, welcoming environment makes every visit pleasant and stress-free

Next steps after your first consultation

After your initial dental check-up, we’ll put together a personalised treatment plan. This may include:

• Preventive treatments such as fluoride varnish, fissure sealants or hygiene visits
• Restorative options such as crowns, bridges or root canal treatment
• Dental implants to replace missing teeth such as All-on-4 same day teeth, zygomatic implants, bone & sinus grafts, implanted dentures or single tooth implants
• Cosmetic dental treatments including teeth whitening, veneers or composite bonding
• Orthodontics, from Invisalign to lingual braces and traditional braces, to improve your bite and smile alignment
• Emergency dental care if you face unexpected discomfort, dental pain or dental trauma

We also offer a range of facial rejuvenation treatments under the same roof - such as anti-wrinkle injections, Profhilo, dermal fillers and micro-needling - ideal if you’d like to refresh your appearance further and complement your smile.

Our aim is to provide professional assistance and support that helps you feel confident about your oral health, whatever your needs.

Looking for a fresh new approach to dental health in Upminster?

Your first dental visit is the best way to start your journey with us at Church View Dental. Whether you’re searching for an NHS dentist near you or a private practice in Essex, our helpful, friendly team is here to assist you with modern dentistry, innovative treatments and a tradition of trust and expertise that has served generations.

Contact us to book your new patient consultation through our website today and take the first step towards a healthier, confident smile.

📍 Located in Upminster and welcoming patients from Hornchurch, Romford, Brentwood, Elm Park, Harold Wood, Cranham, Gidea Park and Rainham.

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