Your first appointment at our dental practice

FOR NEW PATIENTS

We take time for
you and your dental health

A warm welcome to the Heindel Dental Practice. At your first appointment, we’d like to get to know you, your dental health and your personal preferences. To do this, we’ll take the time for a detailed discussion, a thorough examination and to answer any questions you may have.

This first visit lays the foundation for all subsequent steps. Our aim is to clearly assess your current situation and decide together with you which treatment or preventive care is most appropriate.

Time to get to know each other

We will discuss your symptoms, preferences, any pre-existing conditions and your previous experiences at the dentist.

A detailed overview

We examine the teeth, gums and mouth, taking into account any existing findings and X-rays.

Clear and understandable advice

You will find out how we assess the condition of your teeth and what the next steps or treatment options might be.

UNDERSTAND FIRST

The first appointment
provides guidance

Not every complaint has the same cause, and not every dental condition requires the same treatment. That is why the first appointment often does not focus on immediate treatment, but rather on getting to know you thoroughly and carrying out a detailed examination.

We look not only at individual teeth, but at your overall oral health. This includes the condition of your teeth and gums, any existing dentures, previous treatments, current symptoms and your personal expectations.

We will then explain the findings to you in plain language and discuss whether treatment is necessary. For more complex issues, further appointments may be necessary for diagnosis, planning and consultation.

In the event of acute toothache or a dental emergency, we will, of course, prioritise addressing your urgent symptoms first.

THE PROCESS

Here’s how your first appointment will go

Every initial consultation is unique.
Nevertheless, your first visit usually follows a clear procedure.

Arrival and getting to know each other

Once you’ve registered, we’ll record your medical details electronically. During a face-to-face consultation, we’d like to find out what has brought you to us, what your expectations are and what matters most to you regarding your treatment. You’re also welcome to openly discuss any concerns you may have.

Thorough examination

We examine your teeth, gums and mouth. Where possible, we take existing findings and X-rays into account. Further diagnostic steps are only carried out if they are clinically justified.

Discussing the results

We will then explain the findings to you in simple terms and answer any questions you may have. If treatment is required, we will discuss the possible next steps together. We will plan more extensive treatments during a separate appointment.

First visit to the dentist at Heindel Dental Practice
First visit to the dentist at Heindel Dental Practice

WELL PREPARED

What you should bring with you to your first appointment

  • electronic health card
  • Identity card for those with private health insurance
  • Current list of medications
  • Any X-rays or previous medical reports

If you do not have any of these documents to hand, that is not a problem.

CLEAR COMMUNICATION

If you speak little or no German

If possible, please bring someone you trust along who can help you communicate. This will enable us to discuss your symptoms, test results and treatment options clearly and comprehensively.

SPECIAL NEEDS

Please feel free to get in touch with us

Please let us know, if possible, when you book your appointment if you need any special support or are anxious about the treatment. This will allow us to prepare for your visit.

More about treating anxious patients

“At your first appointment, we’ll take the time to get to know you and your needs.”

— Iro Karouzaki-Heindel, dentist

The first appointment lays the groundwork for a course of treatment tailored to your individual circumstances and needs.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions
from our patients

Answers to your questions about your
first appointment

Do I need to have treatment at my first appointment?

Not necessarily. The first appointment is often primarily for a personal consultation, an examination and to plan treatment. In the case of acute symptoms, however, the focus is on providing the necessary emergency care.

How long does the first appointment take?

The duration depends on the nature of your enquiry, the existing findings and the diagnostic tests required. We allow plenty of time for the consultation, the examination and any questions you may have. You will receive more detailed information when you book your appointment.

Will X-rays be taken at the first appointment?

X-rays are only taken if they are necessary for diagnosis or treatment planning. Where possible, we take existing, up-to-date images into account to avoid unnecessary repeat X-rays.

Can I bring any X-rays I already have?

Yes. Any existing X-rays and medical reports can be very helpful for the assessment. If possible, please bring these with you in digital form or as printouts. Alternatively, with your consent, the documents may be requested from your previous GP practice if necessary.

What if I’m missing some documents?

That is no reason to postpone the appointment. Simply bring along the documents you have to hand. Any missing information can be provided later if necessary, or requested with your consent.

Do I need to bring my bonus booklet with me?

If you are covered by statutory health insurance, please feel free to bring your bonus booklet with you. This will enable us to check any existing entries and document the preventive medical check-up accordingly.

What if I don’t know my medication dosage?

If possible, please bring your current medication plan, the medicine packaging or a clearly legible list with you. When planning your treatment, it is important to provide not only the names of the medicines but also the relevant dosages.

Can I have a professional dental clean straight away?

A professional teeth cleaning should be booked separately. Please let us know your preference when you book your appointment. This will allow us to check whether the check-up and teeth cleaning should take place on the same day or on separate occasions.

What should I do if I’m afraid of the dentist?

Please let us know as soon as possible when you book your appointment. This will allow us to adapt to your situation and prepare for your first visit with particular care. You can find detailed information on our page for patients with dental anxiety.

What happens if I can’t make my appointment?

If you are unable to attend, please cancel your appointment as early as possible. This will allow us to offer the reserved treatment slot to other patients and arrange a new appointment with you.

Can I bring someone with me?

A trusted companion can be particularly helpful if you suffer from dental anxiety, have limited mobility or experience communication difficulties. Please let us know when booking your appointment if you would like to bring a companion with you.