Use the online form on our private dentist page, or call 020 8980 6398.
What to Expect at Your First Dental Appointment in Bow: A New Patient Guide
Looking for a new dentist in Bow, East London? Bow Dental & Implants on Roman Road explains how to register, what happens at your first check-up, and what the dental jargon actually means.
📍 629-631 Roman Road, Bow E3 2RN | 🚇 Near Bow Church DLR | 📞 020 8980 6398
Part of what makes a first dental appointment daunting is the language. “Periodontal assessment”, “radiographs”, “occlusion”… it can sound like a lot before anyone has even looked at your teeth. So this guide walks you through your first visit to Bow Dental & Implants on Roman Road and decodes the terms you’re likely to hear along the way.
Short answer: Your first appointment is a full dental examination. We’ll go through your health and concerns, check your teeth, gums and mouth, take X-rays only if they’re clinically necessary, explain what we find and agree a plan with you.
Before You Go
Registering. Use the “Register as New Patient” form on our private dentist page, or call 020 8980 6398. Tell us if you’re in pain, if you’re nervous, and whether you’d like NHS or private care.
Getting here. We’re at 629-631 Roman Road, between Bethnal Green and Stratford. Bow Church DLR station is nearby, Mile End and Bow Road Underground stations are within walking distance, and buses 25, 108, 205 and 425 serve the area. If you’re driving, there’s half an hour of complimentary parking at a nearby petrol station. We’re open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
What to bring:
- Your medical history and any medication
- Previous dental records or X-rays, if you have them
- A note of anything that’s worrying you
- Proof of NHS exemption, if you’re claiming free treatment
- A way to pay, for private treatment
Your First Appointment, Decoded
What You Might Hear What It Means “We’ll review your medical and dental history.” A chat about your health, medication and past dental work, as these affect your mouth. “I’ll do an examination of the soft tissues.” Checking your tongue, cheeks, gums and the rest of your mouth, not just your teeth. “We’ll screen for oral cancer.” A quick, painless look and feel for any changes that need a closer look. “I’m going to assess your gums” (periodontal assessment) Checking your gums for signs of inflammation or gum disease, which is easiest to treat early. See our gum disease page. “We’ll check your occlusion.” Looking at how your teeth meet when you bite. “Any signs of TMJ problems?” Checking your jaw joints for clicking, tightness or discomfort. “You may need radiographs.” X-rays, which we only take when they’re clinically necessary. “We’ll go through your treatment plan.” An explanation of what, if anything, needs doing, in what order and at what cost. “I’d like to see you for a recall in six months.” Your next check-up. Six months is the general recommendation, though your dentist may suggest a different interval based on your oral health, age and risk factors. You can stop us at any point and ask for plain English. Nothing happens without you understanding and agreeing to it.
NHS or Private?
NHS care is offered to patients who qualify. It covers examinations, X-rays, fillings, extractions, crowns and dentures, with sedation for suitable patients, charged under the NHS’s standard bands. NHS fees change each April, so please ask us for current figures, and check whether NHS places are available when you call. See our NHS treatment page.
Private care covers more, including cosmetic treatments such as whitening, veneers and clear aligners, plus implants and hygiene visits. A private extensive examination is currently £40, with full prices on our fees page. For private treatment, you’ll have a consultation, the checks needed, and a tailored treatment plan to take home, with no obligation to go ahead.
We also offer finance plans, and a monthly subscription plan starting from £25 a month, covering check-ups and hygiene appointments among other benefits. Ask us for current details, and we’ll always confirm costs before treatment begins.
Nervous, or Not Been for Years?
You’re not alone, and we won’t judge. Tell us when you book, and we’ll go at your pace. We offer sedation options and relaxation techniques, and your first visit is about finding out where things stand and making a plan that suits you.
After Your First Visit
If you need treatment, we’ll explain it and agree a plan with you. If everything looks healthy, you carry on with regular check-ups. If a hygiene visit would help, we’ll tell you (see hygiene appointments). And if you’d like to talk about your smile, we can discuss Invisalign, whitening, bonding or veneers.
Urgent Problems
If you’re in pain or have broken a tooth, tell us when you call, and we’ll aim to see you as soon as we can. If you have spreading facial swelling, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or feel very unwell, seek urgent medical help through NHS 111 or 999.
Local to Bow and the East End
Bow Dental & Implants is on Roman Road, near Roman Road Market and Victoria Park. We welcome new patients from Bow, Mile End, Bethnal Green, Old Ford, Bromley-by-Bow, Poplar, Limehouse, Hackney Wick and Stratford.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register as a new patient?
How long is the first appointment?
It depends on your needs. We’ll confirm the length when you book.
Do I need X-rays?
Only if they’re clinically necessary. Bring any recent ones from another dentist.
Does a check-up hurt?
A routine examination is painless. If something is sore, tell us.
Can I see you on the NHS?
We offer NHS treatment to patients who qualify. Please call to ask about current availability.
Is there parking?
There’s half an hour of complimentary parking at a nearby petrol station. The practice is also close to Bow Church DLR, Mile End and Bow Road stations.
How often should I see the dentist?
Generally every six months, though your dentist may suggest a different interval.
What does “periodontal assessment” mean?
It’s a check of your gum health, to look for inflammation or gum disease.
Ready to Book?
Call 020 8980 6398 or register online. We’d be glad to welcome you.
BOOK YOUR NEW PATIENT APPOINTMENT
Bow Dental & Implants, 629-631 Roman Road, Bow E3 2RN | 020 8980 6398
