Your visit
What actually happens, in order.
Nobody puts off a dental appointment because they do not know the price. They put it off because they do not know what is going to happen. So here it is.
Arriving
You register at the hospital reception and are directed to the dental department. Bring any previous X-rays, and a list of the medicines you take, because that list changes what can be done on the day.
The consultation
An examination and a conversation about what brought you in. If something needs imaging, it is done here rather than at a second address on another day.
Diagnosis
X-rays or a scan where they are needed, read the same visit. For anything unusual in the mouth, the oral medicine team assesses it rather than leaving it to be watched.
The plan
What is wrong, what the options are, what each one involves and in what order. Where more than one department is involved, that is agreed between them before it is put to you.
Treatment
Carried out in the department, or in theatre under anaesthetic where the case calls for it. Where your general health affects the treatment, the relevant physician is consulted first.
Afterwards
Aftercare instructions, and a review appointment. Complex and surgical cases are followed up rather than discharged and forgotten.
Bring the list of what you take. It matters more than you would think.
Blood thinners, diabetes medication, bisphosphonates, immunosuppressants and steroids all change what can be done on the day, and some of them change it a great deal. A photograph of the boxes on your phone is enough.
If you are under treatment at another hospital, bring the discharge summary or the last prescription.
Nervous about coming in?
Say so when you book. It is a common thing to say and it changes how the first appointment is arranged. For patients who genuinely cannot be treated awake, there is an anaesthetist and a theatre in the building.